Bitcoin Updates: SFC Outlines Strategy to Harmonize Cryptocurrency Advancement and Safeguard Investors

The Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has revealed intentions to issue new guidelines for digital asset custodians and to assess whether it is viable for publicly listed firms to acquire

. This initiative reflects a wider movement in the industry toward greater institutional participation, clearer regulations, and advancements in digital asset infrastructure.

Recent events have underscored the need for such direction. DeLeion Capital, a global platform specializing in digital asset management, has introduced a sophisticated

that enables real-time tracking of asset allocations, liquidity, and risk indicators. By merging algorithm-driven insights with human supervision, the platform prioritizes regulatory compliance and transparency, supported by third-party audits and comprehensive reporting protocols. This strategy addresses the increasing call for organized solutions in a market long characterized by instability and fragmentation.

The pace of institutional involvement is quickening, as shown by a groundbreaking deal between DBS and Goldman Sachs. These two financial institutions completed the first over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency options trade involving both Bitcoin and

, marking a significant step in the evolution of crypto markets, as detailed in a . Taking place in Singapore, this transaction highlights the integration of digital assets into regulated banking systems, a trend expected to accelerate as interest in crypto-related offerings grows.

Regulatory systems are adapting as well. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has broadened its regulatory reach over digital assets, clarifying that numerous tokens and stablecoins are subject to current financial regulations. The agency has established custodial requirements, mandating that companies hold up to $10 million AUD in net tangible assets, and has cautioned that overseas platforms serving Australian clients must still comply with local regulations,

. These actions are designed to promote compliance as the sector expands.

Progress in infrastructure is also playing a pivotal role. BitGo, a prominent digital asset custodian, has added Canton Coin (CC) to its custody services, improving institutional access to tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), as noted in a

. At the same time, Western Union is preparing to launch a , supported by Anchorage Digital Bank, with the goal of transforming cross-border payments by utilizing blockchain technology for greater speed and efficiency.

The SFC’s forthcoming guidance for custodians could help close existing regulatory gaps, providing secure and compliant storage options as more institutions turn to digital assets. The consideration of allowing listed companies to hold Bitcoin mirrors larger trends, such as DBS clients trading $1 billion in crypto options in the first half of 2025, as reported by Finews, and the global tokenization of $35 billion in RWAs.

As the distinction between conventional finance and digital assets continues to

, the SFC’s measures could become a model for balancing innovation with investor safeguards—an essential move for ensuring the industry’s long-term trustworthiness.