Victory Fintech (VDX) gains SFC license after June pause

Victory Fintech (VDX) can operate an SFC-licensed crypto platform in Hong Kong

Victory Fintech (VDX) has been added to the Securities and Futures Commission’s register of licensed virtual asset trading platforms, according to the crypto-trading-approval/”>hong kong Securities and Futures Commission. The authorization enables VDX to operate a regulated crypto platform in Hong Kong.

It is the first addition to the SFC’s VATP list since June 2025. VDX is a subsidiary of victory securities.

Why this SFC virtual asset trading platform license matters now

As reported by CoinDesk, this is the first SFC virtual asset platform approval since June 2025, underscoring a selective but open licensing posture. The move suggests Hong Kong continues admitting new entrants that satisfy stringent compliance and investor‑protection standards.

Regulatory initiatives also continue to evolve under Hong Kong’s framework, including margin financing with constrained collateral and professional‑only access to certain derivatives, according to the South China Morning Post. “Virtual assets have become a tool in the race for financial supremacy,” said Julia Leung Fung-yee, CEO of the Securities and Futures Commission.

Market reaction was swift: Victory Securities’ shares rose about 10.3% on February 16, 2026, and analysts flagged likely near‑term scale constraints such as BTC/ETH‑only collateral for margin financing, according to AInvest flow analysis. These constraints may moderate early volumes even as regulated access expands.

The approval expands Hong Kong’s roster of regulated platforms to 12, as reported by SQMAGAZINE. That count signals a growing, yet tightly supervised, marketplace for virtual asset trading.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin (BTC) traded near $68,918 with very high recent volatility and neutral momentum. These conditions provide context rather than a view on price or volumes.

What Hong Kong’s regime permits: access, products, and safeguards

Access and products under Hong Kong crypto regulation (retail vs professional)

Licensed Hong Kong platforms may offer spot virtual asset trading to retail investors within defined safeguards. Products such as perpetual contracts are restricted to professional investors under the current regime. Platforms also face detailed onboarding and suitability requirements. VDX’s initial lineup has not been disclosed.

Custody, risk controls, and BTC/ETH-only collateral for margin financing

Hong Kong’s rule set emphasizes custody segregation, independent audits, and operational risk controls. Under margin financing, collateral is currently limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum, aiming to contain volatility and liquidity risks. These parameters influence leverage availability and platform scale. Implementation details will determine user experience.

FAQ about SFC virtual asset trading platform license

Why is this approval significant as the first since June 2025, and what does it signal about Hong Kong’s crypto policy?

It ends the approval gap since June 2025, signaling continued but selective licensing and a balance of innovation with investor protection within Hong Kong’s regulated framework.

Which assets and products will VDX support at launch, and how do collateral limits (BTC and ETH only) affect margin financing?

VDX’s launch assets and products were not specified. Margin financing collateral is limited to BTC and ETH, which constrains leverage and may cap early trading scale.