HashKey Wins Hong Kong Approval to Offer Crypto Services to Professional Investors

HashKey has been granted approval to offer discretionary account management services for virtual assets (VA) to professional investors in Hong Kong.

According to a blog post, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) approved HashKey to manage tailored investment products, including spot crypto investments and derivatives under the existing type 9 license.

This allows the firm to make investment decisions that align with the specific financial goals of its clients, offering end-to-end investment services, including spot investments as well as over-the-counter (OTC) trading and derivatives.

“Investors have historically been cautious about entering the virtual asset space due to the associated risks," said Vivien Wong, Partner, Liquid Funds. "With our discretionary account management services, we provide clients with the confidence to explore this sector, backed by the expertise of industry professionals managing their portfolios in alignment with their investment mandates."

HashKey’s regulatory approval ensures flexibility in trading platforms, allowing clients to execute investments across multiple vetted exchanges. Each exchange on the firm’s pre-approved list is selected based on its high standards for security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Diversification across different platforms allows professional investors to gain access to a more dynamic trading environment, mitigating risks associated with relying on a single exchange.

Once an investment strategy is finalised, HashKey Capital oversees the entire execution process, including discretionary buying and selling of assets, allocation adjustments, continuous monitoring, periodic rebalancing, and comprehensive reporting.

“Professional investors do not want to be late and miss out on key new opportunities in crypto," Wong added. "At the same time, they want to maintain the good graces of regulators. Through discretionary account management, HashKey Capital can help institutions balance these needs: We can assist them in venturing to new products with a focus on complying to still-developing frameworks."

Last month, HashKey received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for its Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license.

This approval allows HashKey to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, further cementing its status as a trusted leader in the virtual asset industry.

Upon receiving final approval, the VASP license will authorize HashKey MENA FZE, the group’s Dubai-based entity, to provide Virtual Asset Exchange Services and Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services. These offerings will cater to retail investors, qualified investors, and institutional clients.