How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Hong Kong 2026

Key Takeaways

• You can buy cryptocurrency in Hong Kong through 4 methods: Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs), Licensed Brokers, Over The Counter (OTC) Service Providers and crypto ETFs 
• Two most commonly used Virtual Asset Trading Platforms in Hong Kong include OSL Exchange and HashKey Exchange, they are the first two fully licensed and regulated VATPs in Hong Kong  
• To safely store your cryptocurrency, you can consider using either a cold wallet (completely offline and safest), a hot wallet (online wallet for frequent trading) or a custodial wallet (held by third parties for maximum convenience).

In this article, we will provide a step by step guide on how to buy cryptocurrency in Hong Kong. 

Regulation on Cryptocurrency in Hong Kong 

Hong Kong, as the financial hub in the APAC region, has established a mature regulatory framework for virtual assets (VAs) such as cryptocurrency. 

Regulation on cryptocurrency in Hong Kong is governed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). More specifically, there are two ordinances under the SFC that are mainly responsible for monitoring the VA landscape in Hong Kong: 

• The Securities and Futures ordinance (SFO), which regulates financial markets and products in Hong Kong 
• The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO), which monitors platforms that offer virtual asset trading or other VA services  

To best protect investors’ interests, crypto trading in Hong Kong is under strict supervision.

Investors are only allowed to buy or sell cryptocurrency through government-approved channels, which can be broken down into the following types: 

1. Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs)

VATPs are compliant platforms that provide cryptocurrency trading services in Hong Kong and are under supervision of the SFC. VATPs such as Hashkey Exchange or OSL Exchange are held to a high compliance standard where they must ensure a transparent operation, and conduct customer due diligence (CDD) checks, along with advanced measures for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter terrorist financing (CTF). 

2. Licensed Brokers 

Besides VATPs which primarily focus on virtual assets, you may also consider licensed brokers that provide trading services for various assets and securities, some of them also obtain licenses for crypto related services. Licensed brokers include traditional financial institutions such as banks and brokerage firms, for example, ZA bank and Futu Securities both enabled crypto trading services in 2024. 

Licensed brokers are also under the supervision of the SFC and are held to the same or even higher regulatory standards than VATPs, since they offer a wider range of products for people to trade alongside cryptocurrency.

3. Over The Counter (OTC) Service Providers 

Over the counter refers to directly trading an asset between two parties and bypassing a public exchange. OTC trading provides more privacy for the client since the trade will not appear in the public market record. OTC desks are also able to execute large trades at a specific price so that the trade will not be affected by market volatility.

In Hong Kong, you may seek OTC service for cryptocurrency with VATPs and licensed brokers, these are the safest options since they are fully regulated. On the other hand, it is important to know that some money exchanges with an MSO (Money Service Operator) license also offer on/off ramp services for cryptocurrency. However, they might not be fully licensed to provide VA related services. Using a non compliant service provider might attract the attention of authorities and you could be required to further explain the source of your funds. 

4. ETFs 

ETFs (exchange trade funds) are investment funds that hold a collection of assets or non-stock commodities such as gold or cryptocurrency, and allow investors to trade them as a single stock on the stock market. 

Crypto ETFs, such as iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, allow investors to purchase cryptocurrency without needing to directly hold the digital asset. They are the ideal compliance solution for those who want to avoid the risks of direct ownership and custody of digital assets. It is the easiest and safest way to get into the crypto market, since you can easily invest in ETFs on most fully licensed brokerage platforms. 

How to buy Cryptocurrency in Hong Kong?

You can start investing in cryptocurrency by following these 5 steps: 

1. Evaluate your needs: If you are a crypto investor who needs OTC service, you may want to consider OSL Exchange. If you also want to invest in various assets such as stocks and bonds, you shall consider platforms like Futu Securities. 
2. Select a platform: Choose a SFC licensed virtual asset service provider best fits your needs
3. Complete KYC: Open an account and complete the know your customer (KYC) process, which usually includes sending a copy of your HKID and proof of address 
4. Fund your account/wallet: Deposit funds in your account, a lot of trading platforms would require you to deposit a specific minimum amount of money to activate your account. 
5. Start trading ! 

Licensed crypto exchanges in Hong Kong

Two most commonly used Virtual Asset Trading Platforms in Hong Kong: 

1. OSL Exchange (OSL Digital Securities Limited)

OSL Exchange is Hong Kong’s first fully licensed and insured digital asset trading platform. They are approved and granted licenses by the SFC in 2020, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in Hong Kong finance. 

2. HashKey Exchange (Hash Blockchain Limited) 

Approved in 2022, HashKey Exchange became the second SFC licensed VA exchange in Hong Kong. HashKey Exchange is a part of the HashKey Group which focuses on building a complete Web3 ecosystem. Their other work includes HashKey Cloud for Web3 based server hosting, and HashKey Tokenization which specializes in tokenisation of various assets.  

You may find the full, current list of licensed VATPs on the SFC website. 

Safely storing your cryptocurrency  

After buying cryptocurrency, you need to consider how to keep your coins safe. You may consider the following ways to protect your investment: 

1. Cold Wallet (Offline) 

A cold wallet is known to be the safest method for storing your cryptocurrency. It is a physical device which offers maximum protection against cyber attacks since your private keys are completely offline. If you are holding a large amount of crypto and are not looking to trade frequently, you should consider using a cold wallet as it is the best option for long term holdings. 

However, you need to be aware of physical damages such as house fires and be careful not to lose it. As a physical device, if it is lost or damaged, you will not be able to retrieve your investment. 

2. Hot Wallet (Online/Apps) 

Unlike a cold wallet, a hot wallet is an online application which is connected to the internet and can be easily accessed. A hot wallet is recommended for those who trade more frequently and want to avoid the hassle of protecting a physical device, however, hot wallets are more vulnerable to online threats such as cyber attacks. 

3. Custodial Wallet (Third Parties Held) 

For maximum convenience, you can consider custodial wallets, where a third part such as crypto exchange holds your fund on your behalf. In other words, you leave your crypto on the trading platform. 

Although this way you save time and trouble managing a wallet and can trade anytime, unlike cold or hot wallets, you do not have complete control over your coins. In the event where the platform is breached, your cryptocurrency will be defenseless. 

Frequently Asked Questions