The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has warned investors about Aurum/Aurum Foundation, saying the platform may be operating without the required licence.
The SFC said Aurum Foundation claims on its website that it is registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance and offers virtual asset trading, futures contracts, and derivatives services. However, the regulator confirmed that the platform does not hold an SFC licence and is suspected of conducting unlicensed activities. As a result, Aurum Foundation has been added to the SFC Alert List, which highlights firms that may pose risks to investors.
香港SFC、Aurum Foundationを不審な暗号資産プラットフォームとしてリストアップ
・香港SFC、Aurum Foundationを不審な暗号資産取引プラットフォームに指定
・香港での登録を虚偽申告し、無免許で暗号資産やデリバティブ取引を提供
・無許可の金融活動を行っている疑いがあるとして当局が警戒— CB Terminal (@cb_terminal) June 23, 2026
SFC expands watchlist as more unlicensed platforms surface
Aurum Foundation is the latest addition to a growing list of flagged entities in 2026. Other recent entries include exiovip.top, StableStock and Stablestocks Lab Limited, EQU Asset Management, Quant Global Technologies, Globiance HK Limited, Blue Rock Capital Limited, R-Coin Wallet, and Ju.com.
The SFC has repeatedly warned investors to check its official list of licensed virtual asset trading platforms before depositing funds. It also noted that unregulated operators often rely on social media marketing, fake partnership claims, or unusually high return offers to attract users.
Stronger enforcement and past penalties show higher risk for unlicensed operators
The latest warning shows Hong Kong’s stricter crypto regulation as authorities increase oversight across the digital asset sector.
In past enforcement actions, including cases like the JPEX crypto exchange investigation in 2023 and other unlicensed trading and investment schemes, Hong Kong regulators have shut down platforms, frozen assets, and launched criminal investigations where firms were found to be misleading investors or operating without approval. Individuals involved in illegal financial promotion or unlicensed dealing can also face fines and possible jail terms under Hong Kong securities law.
The SFC’s framework allows it to pursue both civil and criminal action depending on the severity of violations, particularly where investor funds are involved or where false licensing claims are made.
Alongside enforcement, Hong Kong is also building a clearer licensing structure. In May, authorities published consultation conclusions on new rules for virtual asset advisory and portfolio management services. The framework would place advisory services under Type 4-like rules and portfolio management under Type 9-style regulation within the existing financial system.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is positioning itself to expand crypto-linked and tokenized bond issuance in 2026 as regulators push to modernise capital markets and integrate blockchain infrastructure into fixed-income trading
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