TLDR:
- Alchemy Pay and HTF Securities secured an SFC Type 1 license upgrade covering virtual asset dealing services in Hong Kong.
- The SFC Type 1 and Type 4 license upgrades are complete, while the Type 9 asset management upgrade remains in progress.
- Alchemy Pay plans to launch its own stablecoin and develop the Alchemy Chain stablecoin-based ecosystem in Hong Kong.
- Alchemy Pay holds over 15 active licenses globally, spanning the US, Australia, South Korea, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Alchemy Pay and HTF Securities Limited have completed a major regulatory milestone in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approved an upgrade of HTF Securities’ Type 1 license.
The extension now covers virtual asset dealing services for both professional and retail investors. This follows a previously completed Type 4 license upgrade. The Type 9 license upgrade is still in progress.
HTF Securities Advances Its Full-Spectrum Licensing Portfolio
The SFC Type 1 license covers dealing in securities within Hong Kong’s regulated financial market. Its upgrade adds virtual asset dealing to HTF Securities’ approved scope of services.
HTF Securities Limited, with Central Entity No. BNO909, operates under direct SFC regulation. Alchemy Pay made a strategic investment in the firm to advance its Hong Kong presence.
The SFC’s Type 1, 4, and 9 licenses form a core trio for comprehensive financial services. They cover securities trading, investment advisory, and asset management activities respectively.
Together, they represent one of the broadest regulatory permission sets available in Hong Kong. The SFC also allows holders of these licenses to apply for virtual asset business extensions.
Alchemy Pay confirmed the progress of its licensing efforts following the announcement, stating: “We have completed the Type 1 & Type 4 license upgrade, while the Type 9 license upgrade is still in process.” The company views this as part of a phased approach to building a full regulatory framework in Hong Kong.
Alchemy Pay and HTF Securities had already secured the Type 4 (Advising on Securities) upgrade earlier. Both parties are now pursuing a further application for the Type 9 license upgrade.
This upgrade would extend virtual asset services into the asset management category. The application is currently being reviewed by the SFC.
With the Type 1 and Type 4 upgrades now in place, Alchemy Pay strengthens its regulatory standing. The company has positioned itself as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.
These licenses allow it to serve a wider base of investors across the region. Each regulatory step builds greater trust with both institutional and retail participants.
Stablecoin Strategy and Global Compliance Drive Further Growth
The license achievement also supports Alchemy Pay’s planned stablecoin initiatives in Hong Kong. The company is working toward launching its own stablecoin in the near term.
It is also developing the Alchemy Chain stablecoin-based ecosystem as part of this plan. These efforts align with Hong Kong’s active push to regulate digital assets and stablecoins.
In addressing its long-term direction, Alchemy Pay stated that it “remains committed to building the bridge between traditional finance and digital assets in Asia’s leading financial hub.”
The company added that it is focused on strengthening its roots in Hong Kong as the regulatory environment continues to evolve.
Globally, Alchemy Pay holds 15 Money Transmitter Licenses across the United States. The company also carries a Digital Currency Exchange Provider registration in Australia.
It holds an Electronic Financial Business registration in South Korea as well. Additional licenses cover key markets across Europe and Southeast Asia.
The Hong Kong milestone supports Alchemy Pay’s broader goal of enabling fiat-to-crypto conversions worldwide. These services target key financial markets where regulatory clarity is advancing.
The company’s compliance record now spans more than 15 active jurisdictions. Its long-term strategy centers on expanding payment services across Asia and other emerging markets.
