“路线图”明确、虚拟资产全牌照落地，香港券商有望迎来新“钱途”

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong is accelerating the establishment of a leading global regulatory framework for digital assets, providing potential opportunities for local brokers to restructure their business models [1][9]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) requires firms to hold a "Type 1 license" and collaborate with licensed platforms to conduct virtual asset-related businesses [1]. - As of June 24, 2023, 41 financial institutions have been approved to upgrade to a "Type 1 license," enabling them to offer virtual asset trading services [6]. - The SFC has implemented a "same business, same risk, same regulation" principle for virtual asset regulation, adding specific conditions and technical standards to existing financial licenses [6]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the new regulatory framework, Hong Kong's brokerage sector saw significant stock price increases, with Guotai Junan International rising nearly 200% on June 25, 2023 [2]. - Victory Securities experienced a surge of over 160% on June 26, 2023, marking a two-and-a-half-year high [2]. Group 3: Business Model Transformation - The upgrade of the "Type 1 license" allows brokers to connect with licensed exchanges, enabling clients to trade digital currencies through traditional securities accounts without needing separate accounts [3]. - Analysts suggest that the focus of competition in the brokerage industry is shifting from low-value services to building "cross-border digital financial infrastructure" [4][3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - More brokers with international business subsidiaries are expected to complete the "Type 1 license" upgrade, enhancing the market ecosystem [8]. - The introduction of a compliance framework is anticipated to improve asset security and expand the range of trading products available [10]. Group 5: Challenges and Restrictions - Despite the regulatory advancements in Hong Kong, the mainland China ban on cryptocurrency trading remains in place, creating challenges for cross-border operations [11]. - Licensed institutions are prohibited from providing any digital currency-related trading services to residents of mainland China, including products like ETFs [11].