China Brokerage Guotai Junan Wins Crypto License As Hong Kong Unveils LEAP Framework

Chinese state-backed brokerage Guotai Junan International has secured regulatory approval to offer cryptocurrency trading services in Hong Kong.

The news arrives just as the Hong Kong government unveiled its comprehensive LEAP framework. The new blueprint advances stablecoin licensing, real-world asset tokenization, and digital asset market infrastructure.

Guotai Junan’s Crypto License Marks Major Win for Hong Kong’s Digital Asset Strategy

On Wednesday, Guotai Junan announced that the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has upgraded its Type 1 license. It was previously restricted to traditional securities dealing, with the upgrade permitting cryptocurrency trading.

The brokerage said it will operate through an SFC-licensed crypto platform, allowing clients to trade digital assets compliantly.

The market responded with enthusiasm. Guotai Junan’s shares surged nearly 470%. It rose from HK$1.24 ($0.16) to HK$7.02 ($0.91) intraday on Wednesday. The stock is traded at HK$3.54 ($0.46) as of this writing.

Guotai Junan (1788) Price Performance. Source: TradingView

Despite the slight pullback, the stock remains above its pre-approval highs. This reflects investor optimism over the firm’s foray into digital assets.

Guotai Junan becomes one of the first traditional Chinese brokerages to receive regulatory approval for crypto trading in Hong Kong, amid growing interest from other mainland institutions.