Hong Kong Financial Secretary Christopher Hui announced that an amendment bill establishing a licensing regime for virtual asset trading, custody, advisory, and management services will be submitted within this year. The legislative move forms part of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau's policy measures under Hong Kong's first five-year plan. In addition to crypto regulation, Hong Kong's central clearing and settlement system for gold is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of next year. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) will also announce details of a new RMB-denominated, physically settled gold futures contract before year-end.