Hong Kong crypto: SFC opens global order books to overseas venues

Hong Kong crypto markets may see deeper pools after the SFC allowed licensed exchanges to share global order books with overseas platforms and eased Stablecoin listing requirements, a move aimed at boosting liquidity and competitiveness.

What does the SFC shared order book change mean for Hong Kong crypto markets?

On 3 November 2025 the Hong Kong SFC issued guidance permitting licensed crypto exchanges to connect and share global order books with their overseas platforms, according to reporting by The Block. The circular sets out cross-border matching expectations while retaining SFC oversight of execution and client protections.

How will Hong Kong exchange rules and stablecoin licensing Hong Kong affect global liquidity for exchanges?

The SFC also relaxed certain Stablecoin listing requirements — including exemptions related to the prior 12-month trading history for tokens licensed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority — intended to speed listings and broaden available stable assets. Faster listings and linked order books should improve price discovery and reduce spreads for listed pairs.

Who benefits?

Professional traders and institutional participants are likely to see the largest immediate gains in depth and execution quality. Liquidity providers can route orders across linked venues to tighten spreads, while retail access remains governed by licensed platforms and professional investor token access rules.

What must exchanges change operationally?

Exchanges will need harmonised matching engines, stronger custody arrangements, regular reserve attestations and clearer audit trails to satisfy the new framework. Firms should update compliance and risk controls to align with Hong Kong exchange rules and cross border crypto trading protocols before deploying shared order books.

Who benefits from cross border crypto trading and the crypto exchange approval process?

Yes — the combined measures aim to make Hong Kong more competitive by aggregating liquidity and expanding product sets available to licensed venues. That said, outcomes depend on operational rollout and timely approvals under the crypto exchange approval process.

Note: Firms must still satisfy licensing conditions and operational readiness before leveraging shared order books; supervisory checks and disclosures remain mandatory.

In brief, the SFC’s 3 November 2025 guidance opens shared global order books and eases Stablecoin listing rules to boost liquidity and competitiveness, while keeping compliance and investor safeguards central.