Guotai Junan International Gets Virtual Asset License, Boosts HK Crypto

On June 25, Wu Blockchain shared that Hong Kong licensed exchange OSL saw its share price rise 18% to HK$14.6. Guotai Junan International made history by becoming the first Chinese mainland brokerage in the region to secure approval for virtual asset trading services. Its subsidiary, Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong), received an upgraded Type 1 license. This change lets the firm offer access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins through approved trading platforms. The news sent shockwaves across the market. Guotai Junan’s shares surged over 120%, closing above HK$2.7. This marked a bold shift in traditional finance’s adaptation to digital assets under clear regulatory oversight.

Guotai Junan’s Approval Signals Trust in Regulated Crypto Access 

The approval granted to Guotai Junan Securities isn’t just a license upgrade, it’s a signal. It shows regulators are ready to trust well-established financial firms with digital asset operations. This development sets Guotai Junan apart as a gateway for investors seeking regulated exposure to crypto. The company now operates under an omnibus account model, working with SFC-licensed platforms to offer virtual asset services.

This step places Guotai Junan in a rare position. It becomes a pioneer in regulated crypto access, backed by its legacy in brokerage services. The company didn’t just win approval; it won market confidence. Investors reacted fast. The share price shot up by more than 120% in a day, reflecting strong sentiment. Hong Kong’s approach to licensing appears to be paying off.

Virtual Asset Licensed Exchanges Ride the Wave 

The excitement didn’t stop with Guotai Junan. Licensed exchanges across Hong Kong saw immediate gains. OSL, a key player with SFC approval, jumped 18% to hit HK$14.6, a one-year high. The rise in OSL’s stock points to renewed interest in licensed platforms. Confidence is clearly moving toward regulated players. HashKey, another firm licensed in the region, also felt the momentum. Its token HSK rose by 50% on the same day. This wasn’t just a coincidence. Traders responded to regulatory clarity and the perceived safety in licensed environments. In a market still recovering from global uncertainty, these signals matter. Trust is becoming the new currency in crypto investing.

A Defining Moment for Hong Kong’s Digital Finance Strategy

Hong Kong has been building its digital asset framework for years. This license upgrade aligns with the city’s plan to become a safe but progressive hub for crypto. Guotai Junan’s entry adds more weight to that vision. It brings institutional scale to a market that’s long been dominated by startups and retail platforms. This is a turning point. Investors now see that crypto can live inside traditional finance, with rules and oversight. It’s not about hype anymore, it’s about structure. Hong Kong’s regulators appear to be striking the right balance. Innovation is encouraged, but guardrails are firmly in place.

Virtual Asset License Boosts Market Confidence 

The virtual asset license granted to Guotai Junan has shifted the tone in Hong Kong’s crypto scene. It’s no longer just tech startups chasing momentum. Now, large brokerages are stepping in with approval, clarity, and confidence. The share price rally of Guotai Junan, OSL, and HashKey shows how one policy decision can shape market direction. This event isn’t just a win for one firm. It’s a message: regulated crypto access is here, and Hong Kong is ready to lead.