Introduction
A Hong Kong LC is the passport for regulated securities, asset-management, or advisory businesses. This guide contrasts buying an existing licence versus applying from scratch, covering pricing, timelines, due-diligence, and deal tactics.
1. Small-Cap Licence Pricing (H1 2025)
| Licence Combo | Primary Uses | Typical Buyers | Market Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 4 & 9 (“49”) | Advisory & AM | Family offices, PE | HKD 1.8–2.0 M |
| Type 1 | Brokerage, USD bonds | Brokers, WM platforms | HKD 2.0–2.3 M |
| Type 1+4+9 (“149”) | Bonds + Advisory + AM | One-stop shops | HKD 2.8–3.0 M |
2. Buy vs. Build
| Dimension | Acquire an LC | Set-up & Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–2 months | ≈ 9 months |
| Premium | ~ HKD 1 M | Near-zero |
| Visibility | Legacy compliance risk | Full control |
| Cashflow | Revenue Day 1 | Cash locked during approval |
| Talent | ROs may exit | Hand-pick ROs |
3. FAQs
- Is HK permanent residency mandatory for ROs? No—SFC looks at local management presence.
- Based in Mainland, can I hold an HK licence? Yes, if the HK entity has on-the-ground ops, IT, compliance.
- Insurance vs. securities licence conflict? Generally none; manage suitability & conflicts.
4. Adding Licence Types
- Example: 49 → 49 + 1 in 1–2 months
- Costs: SFC fees, advisory, incremental RO salary
- Compliance: Revise business plan, IT, AML to cover new scope
5. Must-Have Due-Diligence Checklist
- Audited financials & capital adequacy
- SFC actions, fines, unresolved complaints
- Client & jurisdiction risk (sanctions, HNWI)
- Retention plans for current ROs / MLROs
- Health of OMS, KYC, reporting systems
6. Deal-Making Playbook
- Milestone payments tied to SFC approvals or key hires
- Conditions precedent (e.g., RO approval) for walk-away safety
- Warranty & indemnity to cover legacy breaches
7. Conclusion
A licence opens the door, but robust governance keeps you inside. Balance time, cost, and risk; let compliance and long-term strategy steer your decision to acquire or build.
Latest Licences for Sale!
SOLD：LCS0078 / SFC Type 1, 4, 9 Licenses / HK$4.5M + HK$60M NAV / Client Assets & Trading Rights (Margin Trading), 3 ROs, 3,000+ Active Clients
Key Points: 🔑 SFC Type 1, 4, 9 Licenses (Securities Trading, Advising on Securities, Asset Management)💰 Selling Price: HK$4,500,000💼 Net Asset Value: Approximately HK$60,000,000 Major Selling Points: ✅ Authorized to hold client assets with trading rights (cash and margin trading)✅ 3 Responsible Officers (retention negotiable)✅ Break-even operation: Monthly revenue ~HK$350,000, expenses ~HK$350,000 (including IT systems…
SOLD: LCS0077 / Type 4, 9 License / $1.8M + $200K NAV / PI Only, $800K Carried Loss
Key Points: Major Selling Points: Other Details: Please WhatsApp 93472064 for more information or to engage with the seller. Paradox Management Limited is representing the seller. Note: These details are for reference only and may deviate significantly from the actual company. View with caution.
LCS0076 / Type 4 & 9 SFC License / HK$3,000,000 / NAV HK$228,000 / Previously Managed HK$20 Billion AUM + Mainland AMAC/QFLP Qualifications
Key Points: Major Selling Points: Unique Package Deal – Cross-Border Asset Management Platform: Other Details: For more information or to engage with the seller, please WhatsApp 93472064. Paradox Management Limited is representing the seller and the price shown includes Paradox’s commission.
LCS0074 | Type 4 & 9 SFC Licenses (Professional Investors Only, Non-Custodial) | HKD 7.7M + Net Asset Value (HKD 600K) | Compliant with 2024 Virtual Asset Framework
🏢 Strategic Licensed Corporation – Ideal Positioning for Professional Virtual Asset Management Key Features: 🔑 SFC Type 4 (Advising on Securities) & Type 9 (Asset Management) Licenses💰 Transaction Price: HKD 7.7 million + Net Asset Value📊 Net Asset Value: HKD 600,000 Strategic Advantages: 📋 Fully compliant with the new virtual asset regulations effective June 2024🌐…
Latest Licences wanted!
BB0080 | SFC Type 1 or 1,4 License | Budget: 2M HKD
💼 Established mainland Chinese brokerage firm🏦 Specializes in options and margin trading🌐 Seeking to expand into Hong Kong📋 License required: SFC Type 1 or Types 1 and 4💰 Budget: 2 million HKD📈 Commission: 800,000 HKD markup requested Other Details: No current physical presence in Hong KongLooking to acquire an SFC licensed company For more information,…
BB0066 | SFC 1,4,9 | Budget 2.8M
🔍 Opportunity Alert: SFC Licensed Corporation Sought A mainland private equity fund is on the lookout for an SFC licensed corporation with Types 1, 4, and 9 licenses. This is a unique chance for sellers in the financial sector! Key Details:🏢 Licenses: SFC Types 1, 4, and 9💰 Budget: 2.8M HKD📈 Commission: 800,000 HKD markup…
BB0061 | 🏛️ License: SFC Type 1 | 💰 Budget: HK$2,500,000
Major Points about the buyer: 📊 SFC Type 1 license required💼 Trading Right needed📈 Margin trading capability preferred🕰️ Company history: 5+ years💰 Budget: HK$2,500,000 Other Details: Buyers include major shareholders of listed companiesReady for immediate SPA signing and deposit paymentWilling to cover transition period operational costsPrefer current RO to stay onCompany name must include “Securities”Buyers…
Paradox Management Limited
Paradox Management Limited, established in 2010 in Hong Kong, specializes in vocational training and licensing support for the finance, banking, and insurance sectors. The company offers personalized training programs, including private sessions and group classes, as well as access to comprehensive exam question banks. Additionally, Paradox Management Limited assists with regulatory compliance, the acquisition and sale of financial entities, and obtaining Money Lender Licenses. Catering primarily to small financial institutions, the company is known for its deep industry expertise, client-focused approach, and proven success in helping professionals excel in their careers.
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