Alchemy Pay has successfully upgraded HTF’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Type 1 license to cover virtual asset dealing for both retail and professional investors. The move represents a major step in Alchemy Pay’s regulatory strategy, reinforcing its role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Hong Kong. Trading platforms must be licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission and follow strict anti-money laundering and investor protection rules. Popular exchanges include HashKey Exchange, OSL Digital Securities, Futu, Tiger Brokers, and Interactive Brokers.
🇭🇰 #AlchemyPay, together with SFC-licensed HTF Securities Limited, is pleased to announce the successful uplift of SFC Type 1 license to include virtual asset trading services.
With this upgrade secured, we have completed the Type 1 & Type 4 license upgrade, while the Type 9… pic.twitter.com/j7WoU17M0n
— Alchemy Pay|$ACH: Fiat-Crypto Payment Gateway (@AlchemyPay) March 26, 2026
Comprehensive licensing strengthens digital asset capabilities
This latest upgrade in licensing will complement Alchemy Pay and HTF Securities’ existing SFC Type 4 – Advising on Securities license. Together with the SFC Type 9 – Asset Management license, the three licenses will make up one of the most comprehensive and flexible sets of licenses in Hong Kong. This will enable the companies to provide the full range of financial services to clients.
The new SFC license will also enable Alchemy Pay to expand its business scope in virtual assets. This will enable Alchemy Pay to further develop its crypto investment services and stablecoins in the region. It will also enable the company to apply for a Type 9 license upgrade to further develop its virtual asset management services.
Driving Crypto Adoption in Asia
As a company that has deep roots in Hong Kong and a significant presence in Asia, Alchemy Pay is in a great position to expand its crypto payment services to the rest of the world. Alchemy Pay’s services enable fiat and crypto transactions in 173 countries across the globe. Its services include fiat on/off ramps, Web3-based digital banking services, NFT checkouts, and its RWA platform.
The license upgrade also supports Alchemy Pay’s stablecoin ecosystem, enabling next-generation payment rails and tokenized asset investment for retail and institutional users.
Alchemy Pay has a strong global regulatory footprint, holding 15 U.S. Money Transmitter Licenses, Australian Digital Currency Exchange Provider registration, and licenses across South Korea, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The Hong Kong license upgrade underscores its ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance while promoting broader adoption of digital assets and stablecoin payment solutions.
Notably, the organization launched the public testnet for Alchemy Chain, a new Layer-1 blockchain built to support stablecoin payments with faster settlement and predictable fees.
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