As Hong Kong continues to lead as a premier global hub for Virtual Assets in 2026, many High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are leveraging their digital asset portfolios to qualify for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES). However, translating decentralized wealth into a regulated residency permit requires more than just a balance statement—it requires a specific, “CPA-acceptable” valuation.

The Regulatory Reality: Paragraph 4.4

For applicants whose portfolios include assets not traded on a public exchange—such as certain digital asset holdings, private equity, or ownership interests in limited partnership funds (LPFs) —the New CIES Office has established a strict requirement under Paragraph 4.4 of the Scheme Rules:

“For the purpose of the calculation of Net Asset Requirement, assets not traded on a public exchange can be accepted solely for the purpose of Net Asset Assessment only if the proof of assets is accompanied with a written valuation report from a valuer acceptable to a Certified Public Accountant (Practising) in Hong Kong… and included in the Fulfilment document.”

This creates a high bar: your application’s success depends on a “Fulfilment document” prepared by a Hong Kong CPA. That CPA, in turn, must rely on a valuation report from a valuer they deem professionally “acceptable”.

What Makes a Valuer “Acceptable”?

Under the scheme’s rigorous standards, a report is not merely a number. According to the guidelines, a professional valuation report must include:

  • Methodological Transparency: Clear details on the basis of and approach to the valuation.
  • Data Integrity: Recent transaction data for comparable items to support the Market Value—defined as the best price reasonably obtainable in an arm’s length transaction.
  • Verified Credentials: Information regarding the valuer’s professional qualifications and experience must be attached to the report.

Why Partners and Applicants Choose Valtech Valuation

At Valtech, we bridge the gap between complex digital assets and regulatory “acceptability.” We provide the technical depth that CPAs and InvestHK require:

  • Auditor-Grade Standards: Our reports are designed to meet the highest standards of the AFRC and HKICPA, giving your CPA the confidence to sign the Fulfilment Document.
  • Institutional Rigor: Our processes are ISO 9001 certified, ensuring every valuation is repeatable, supportable, and compliant with international best practices.
  • Specialized Expertise: From Bitcoin and Ethereum to private ownership interests, we specialize in the “hard-to-value” assets that fall under the Paragraph 4.4 mandate.

Moving Forward

In a 2026 regulatory environment where transparency is paramount, the quality of your valuation report can be the difference between a final approval and a major setback.