Hong Kong SFC flags Aurum Foundation as suspicious virtual asset platform

Hong Kong’s securities regulator has added Aurum/Aurum Foundation to its alert list of suspicious virtual asset trading platforms after alleging the entity may be operating without the required authorization.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said Aurum/Aurum Foundation claims on its website that it is registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance and offers virtual asset, futures contract, and derivatives trading services.

The regulator stated that Aurum/Aurum Foundation does not hold an SFC license and is suspected of conducting unlicensed activities. The SFC included the platform on its Alert List, which identifies entities that may pose risks to investors.

SFC expands watchlist of unlicensed platforms

Aurum/Aurum Foundation joins a growing number of entities that the SFC has added to its watchlist in 2026. Recent additions include exiovip.top, which was flagged on June 9, StableStock and Stablestocks Lab Limited on May 8, EQU Asset Management on April 22, Quant Global Technologies and Quant Global Technologies Hong Kong on March 16, and Globiance X Limited and Globiance HK Limited on February 3.

The regulator also added ADG platform and Grid FinTech Limited on February 3, Blue Rock Capital Limited on February 10, R-Coin Wallet, R-Wallet, and JUMANJIN CO., LIMITED on January 27, and Ju.com on January 26.

The SFC advises investors to verify whether a platform appears on its official list of licensed virtual asset trading platforms before depositing funds. The regulator has previously warned that unregulated operators may use social media promotions, claims of business partnerships, or unusually attractive investment offers to attract users.

Hong Kong continues expansion of crypto oversight

The latest action comes as Hong Kong continues to extend regulatory oversight across the digital asset sector.

In May, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the SFC published consultation conclusions on a proposed licensing framework for firms that provide virtual asset advisory and portfolio management services. Authorities received 51 submissions during the consultation process.

Under the proposal, virtual asset advisory activities would fall under rules comparable to Type 4 regulated activity, while virtual asset management services would align with Type 9 regulated activity under Hong Kong’s existing financial regulatory framework.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu said at the time that the proposal formed part of Hong Kong’s digital asset policy and efforts to strengthen investor protection. SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung Fung-yee said the planned regime would apply standards comparable to those used in traditional financial services.