25th June 2026
By Anjali Kochhar
SFC Adds Aurum Foundation to Alert List for Suspected Unlicensed Operations
Hong Kong’s securities regulator has added Aurum Foundation, also known as Aurum, to its Alert List of suspicious virtual asset trading platforms, citing concerns that the entity may be operating without the required authorization.
In a recent notice, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) stated that Aurum Foundation claims on its website to be registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance and offers services related to virtual assets, futures contracts, and derivatives trading. However, the regulator clarified that the platform does not possess a license issued by the SFC and is suspected of conducting regulated activities without authorization.
The Alert List is maintained by the SFC to help investors identify entities that may pose potential risks. Inclusion on the list does not automatically indicate illegal activity but serves as a warning that the platform may not be operating in compliance with Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements.
Growing List of Flagged Platforms and How to Protect Yourself
Aurum Foundation is the latest addition to a growing list of unlicensed platforms flagged by the regulator in 2026. Earlier this year, the SFC added several entities to its watchlist, including exiovip.top, StableStock, Stablestocks Lab Limited, EQU Asset Management, Quant Global Technologies, Quant Global Technologies Hong Kong, Globiance X Limited, Globiance HK Limited, ADG platform, Grid FinTech Limited, R-Coin Wallet, R-Wallet, JUMANJIN CO., LIMITED, and Ju.com.
The regulator continues to advise investors to verify whether a virtual asset trading platform appears on its official list of licensed operators before depositing funds or engaging in trading activities. Authorities have repeatedly warned that unregulated platforms often attract users through aggressive marketing campaigns, social media promotions, claims of business partnerships, or promises of unusually high investment returns.
Hong Kong’s Expanding Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Services
The latest enforcement action comes as Hong Kong strengthens oversight of its rapidly expanding digital asset sector. In May, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, together with the SFC, released consultation conclusions on a proposed licensing framework for firms providing virtual asset advisory and portfolio management services.
The proposal would bring virtual asset advisory services under regulations similar to Type 4 licensed activities and virtual asset portfolio management under rules comparable to Type 9 regulated activities. Hong Kong officials say the framework is designed to enhance investor protection while supporting the city’s ambition to become a leading global hub for digital assets.
Authorities maintain that stronger regulatory standards will help foster a safer and more transparent environment for cryptocurrency investors.
