Hong Kong SFC added Aurum Foundation to warning list for unlicensed activities

Placed on the official warning list

In a public statement, the SFC confirmed that Aurum Foundation does not hold any license issued by the commission and is suspected of conducting unlicensed business. As a result, the platform has been included in the SFC Warning List—a register of entities considered to pose risks for investors. The SFC serves as Hong Kong’s primary regulator for capital markets and virtual asset activities.

The SFC confirmed Aurum Foundation is not a licensed entity and announced suspicion that the platform may be operating without regulatory approval.

Aurum Foundation has become the latest entity added to the commission’s watchlist for 2026. Other recently listed platforms include exiovip.top, StableStock, Stablestocks Lab Limited, EQU Asset Management, Quant Global Technologies, Globiance HK Limited, Blue Rock Capital Limited, R Coin Wallet, and Ju.com.

Stricter oversight of unlicensed platforms

The SFC once again urged investors to verify the official list of licensed virtual asset trading platforms before making any deposits. The authority also highlighted that unregulated businesses often attract users through social media promotions, misleading partnership claims, or promises of highly unusual returns.

The regulator stressed that investors should always check the official registry of licensed platforms before transferring funds, noting that unlicensed entities often rely on social media exposure and false claims of partnerships.

This latest warning underscores Hong Kong’s intensified supervision over the digital asset sector. Previously, local authorities have taken actions such as shutting down unauthorized platforms, freezing assets, and conducting criminal investigations. The 2023 investigation into JPEX stands as one of the most prominent examples of this approach.

Under Hong Kong securities law, individuals engaged in illegal financial promotions or acting as intermediaries without proper approval face potential fines and imprisonment. The SFC framework enables both legal and criminal proceedings depending on the severity of the violation. Enforcement risks increase especially when false license declarations or investor funds are involved.

New licensing framework on the horizon

Alongside these enforcement actions, Hong Kong is also working to establish a clearer licensing structure. In May, authorities published the results of consultations on new rules for virtual asset advisory and portfolio management services. The plan is to integrate advisory services under rules similar to Type 4, and portfolio management under guidelines akin to Type 9 within the existing financial system.

During the same period, Hong Kong set a target to expand crypto-linked and tokenized bond issuances in 2026. Regulators are taking steps to modernize capital markets and integrate blockchain infrastructure into fixed income securities operations.