Can QREG Advisory assist with SFC licence applications?

Yes. QREG advises on SFC licensing strategy, licence applications, regulatory clearances, and the compliance frameworks required to support a proposed business model.

Does QREG advise on Virtual Asset Trading Platform, or VATP, licensing in Hong Kong?

Yes. QREG advises virtual asset businesses on VATP licensing and compliance in Hong Kong, including operating-model, governance, custody, control, licensing, and ongoing regulatory considerations.

How can QREG help a firm prepare for an SFC inspection or regulatory review?

QREG helps firms prepare for SFC inspections and regulatory reviews by assessing relevant policies, procedures, controls, governance, and supporting evidence, then helping clients address gaps and organise their regulatory response.

Can QREG assist when a business is facing an SFC enforcement matter or regulatory crisis?

Yes. QREG provides strategic support for businesses facing licensing, supervision, inspection, enforcement, or other high-stakes regulatory matters.

Does QREG provide ongoing compliance support after a licence is granted?

Yes. QREG provides ongoing compliance consulting to help regulated businesses maintain appropriate governance, internal controls, regulatory procedures, and compliance frameworks as their business develops.

Does QREG provide legal advice?

No. QREG Advisory does not provide legal services or legal advice. Its services are regulatory and strategic advisory services.

SFC Licensing & Virtual Asset Regulatory Consulting, Hong Kong

Q: What services does QREG Advisory provide?

QREG Advisory provides Hong Kong financial regulatory advisory services, including SFC licensing strategy and applications, virtual asset and VATP compliance, ongoing compliance consulting, regulatory inspection and enforcement support, and regulatory crisis management.

QREG Advisory is a Hong Kong-based financial regulatory advisory firm founded by Clara Chiu, former Head of Fintech and Licensing Director at the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Clara was the designer, architect, and author of Hong Kong’s virtual asset (VA) regulatory framework, including its licensing criteria, approval process, and conduct standards.

Our experienced team comprises former senior SFC executives from the LicensingIntermediaries Supervision, and Enforcement functions, together with experienced legal and market practitioners.

We provide strategic advisory services and bespoke business, SFC licensing, and ongoing compliance consulting to the traditional financial services, fintech, virtual asset, and crypto sectors. We specialise in delivering forceful, innovative, and pragmatic commercial solutions that reflect our clients’ regulatory and business priorities.

We serve a broad range of clients, including top-tier financial institutions, fintech companies, and crypto businesses. We work with clients who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, professionalism, and sustainable growth within Hong Kong’s regulated financial markets.

Our People

Exceptional. Astute. Insightful.

Comprising ex-SFC senior members and veterans, our team offers a rich blend of legal and regulatory expertise. We excel in managing intricate licensing applications, providing strategic regulatory counsel, and delivering compliance consultancy services. Our proficiency empowers us to assist clients in expanding their businesses and solidifying their presence in Hong Kong .

Founder & CEO

Clara Chiu

Managing Director

Angela Wong

Senior Consultant

Ada Fu

Senior Consultant

Gloria Kwok

Senior Consultant

Priscilla Ngan

Value Proposition

Unparalleled Expertise & Distinctive Differentiation

Intricate familiarity with the law and regulations

We take pride in our outstanding success rate in securing regulatory approvals for our clients, often helping them to get first-of-its-kind licences, such as the first VA broker licence, RWA platform licence, approvals to be participating dealers for VA ETFs supporting VA-in & out and deemed licences for VA exchanges. This accomplishment is rooted in our extensive experience in the legal industry and SFC. Our heavy involvement in crafting the current Hong Kong VA regulatory framework has equipped us with an unmatched understanding of the securities regulations, licensing and compliance issues, particularly in the area of VAs.

Deep understanding of financial regulators’ practices

Our in-depth understanding of the regulations and policies (including the regulatory intent, issues and expectations for market participants) has been instrumental in guiding prominent global & local VA exchanges, traditional & VA banks, top-tier securities brokers & asset managers and family offices in the regulatory process. We have also advised a number of RWA projects and Web 3.0 companies on expanding their presence in Hong Kong. Our innovative mindset has been invaluable in formulating bespoke and forward-looking strategic advice.

Tailor-made and bespoke advice

We distinguish ourselves from other professional advisors by working with our clients to achieve desired outcomes, rather than merely taking clients’ instructions. Our service approach is tactical and strategic, and strives for witnessing the growth of our clients’ business through long-term collaboration.

Advanced Tech

Regulatory crisis management

Leveraging deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, we act as a white knight, assisting clients to navigate when they face challenges relating to licensing, supervision or enforcement with regulatory bodies. Our expertise enables us to address these challenges effectively and devise appropriate strategies, particularly in managing high-stakes situations.

Our Services

We offer a comprehensive and diversified suite of services tailored to your needs. If you require any support, please feel free to discuss with us

01

Licensing strategies & applications: As a strategic advisory firm with robust regulatory expertise in SFC matters, we provide bespoke licensing advice and assist you in obtaining the most effective licences and regulatory clearances, including SFC licences for traditional financial firms, VA exchanges, and VA fund managers.

03

Regulatory crisis management: With our deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and the practices of regulators, we act as a white knight, helping you advocate your case and strike a balance between regulations and commercial reality. Throughout the process, we consistently uphold integrity and fairness, ensuring our work is for the benefit of the wider financial market in HK.

02

Assistance in enforcement & inspection: With our team's experience in SFC investigation, enforcement and inspection matters, including our CEO's previous role in formulating and leading the SFC inspection programme, we can help you navigate regulatory challenges with services tailored to your needs.

04

Your regulatory partner: Given our familiarity with government affairs, we are uniquely positioned to be your regulatory partner in Hong Kong. We can facilitate your engagement with the Government, regulatory bodies and other relevant stakeholders, effectively helping your business expansion in this region.

Licensing and assistance

Regulatory crisis management

Frequently asked questions

General

QReg Advisory provides Hong Kong financial regulatory advisory services, including SFC licensing strategy and applications, virtual asset and VATP compliance, ongoing compliance consulting, regulatory inspection and enforcement support, and regulatory crisis management. We advise traditional financial institutions, asset managers, fintech companies, virtual asset businesses, and other organisations operating in Hong Kong’s regulated financial markets.Contact QReg Advisory