Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) added Aurum Foundation to its official warning list on June 23, confirming the entity holds no license issued by the commission and is suspected of conducting unlicensed business. The warning list serves as a register of entities considered risky for investors under Hong Kong's capital market and virtual asset regulatory framework.
The SFC confirmed Aurum Foundation is not a licensed entity and announced suspicion that the platform may be operating without regulatory approval.
Aurum Foundation becomes the latest addition to the 2026 watchlist. 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.
Unlicensed entities rely on social media and fake partnerships
The SFC reiterated that investors should always check the official registry of licensed virtual asset trading platforms before transferring funds. Unregulated businesses often attract users through social media promotions, misleading partnership claims, or promises of unusually high returns. Under Hong Kong securities law, individuals engaged in illegal financial promotions or acting as unlicensed intermediaries face potential fines and imprisonment. Enforcement risks escalate when false license declarations or investor funds are involved.
Local authorities have previously shut down unauthorized platforms, frozen assets, and conducted criminal investigations. The 2023 JPEX probe remains one of the most high-profile enforcement actions in this space.
New licensing framework on the horizon
Alongside enforcement, Hong Kong is building a clearer licensing structure. In May, regulators published consultation results on new rules for virtual asset advisory and portfolio management services. Advisory services will be integrated under rules similar to Type 4 licenses, while portfolio management will follow guidelines akin to Type 9 within the existing financial system. Separately, Hong Kong set a target to expand crypto-linked and tokenized bond issuances in 2026, aiming to modernize capital markets and integrate blockchain infrastructure into fixed-income securities operations.