Hong Kong’s SFC Mandates Transition to STREAMS 2 for Suspicious Crypto Transaction Reporting
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued a firm deadline for financial institutions to adopt the new STREAMS 2 system for reporting suspicious transactions. The original STREAMS platform will cease operations by midnight on January 28, 2026, marking a pivotal shift in regulatory oversight.
The transition introduces a five-day gap where emergency reports must be submitted manually via email, phone, or fax. The upgraded STREAMS 2 platform leverages enhanced automation and analytical capabilities to streamline the detection of illicit financial activities, particularly targeting virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and licensed corporations.
This MOVE underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to tightening anti-money laundering (AML) measures in the cryptocurrency sector. The Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU) will no longer accept reports through the legacy system after the cutoff date, creating a temporary blackout period for online submissions.