Hong Kong brokers’ crypto trading commissions fall 13.5% in first half of 2026

Hong Kong’s securities industry just had a very good six months. Its crypto desks did not. Commission income from virtual asset trading at local brokers fell 13.5% in the first half of 2026, according to the latest financial review from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The rest of the industry was busy posting its best numbers in a while. The numbers behind the slide The SFC’s review was released between October 8 and 10, 2026. It found that brokers earned HK$99.3 million in virtual asset trading commissions during the first half of 2026. That compares with HK$114.8 million in the second half of 2025. The gap works out to HK$15.5 million in lost commission revenue across the period. Meanwhile, the broader picture looked almost celebratory. Net profit for Hong Kong’s securities industry jumped 21% to HK$51.7 billion over the same half-year. Combined net commission and interest income grew 13%, reaching HK$45.4 billion, up from HK$40.1 billion in the prior period. That bucket covers securities, futures, options, leveraged forex and virtual assets together. Why a small number still matters The SFC’s review did not name any specific brokers or firms tied to the virtual asse...