The license allows AMINA's Hong Kong subsidiary to offer 13 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, USDT, and major decentralized finance tokens.
Hong Kong Crypto News
AMINA Bank AG has received regulatory approval in Hong Kong to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients, marking a significant expansion for the Swiss firm. The Type 1 license uplift from the Securities and Futures Commission addresses gaps in the Hong Kong institutional crypto market, which has faced limited access to bank-grade services due to high regulatory compliance standards.
The license allows AMINA's Hong Kong subsidiary to offer 13 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, USDT, and major decentralized finance tokens. AMINA claims to be the first international bank to receive such permission, though it enters a market already serviced by local players including Tiger Brokers and HashKey.
Trading volume on Hong Kong crypto exchanges increased 233% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to AMINA's report. The surge indicates both retail and institutional traders are increasingly embracing digital assets in the region.
Michael Benz, head of AMINA for Hong Kong, stated the license would enable expansion into private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets. This provides a wider range of crypto offerings for the firm's institutional client base in the region.
Hong Kong has positioned itself as a global crypto hub, and the latest approval could encourage other foreign firms to consider the market. The city rolled out long-awaited stablecoin rules in August, prompting HSBC and ICBC to consider seeking licenses shortly after the announcement.
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission approved its first Solana exchange-traded fund in late October, beating U.S. regulators to market. The jurisdiction has adopted a cautious approach to crypto while actively courting international firms through clear regulatory frameworks.
Hong Kong tightened rules around self-custodying crypto in August, though the move aimed at reducing cybersecurity risks rather than restricting user freedom. The regulatory environment balances innovation with investor protection as the city competes with Singapore and other Asian financial centers for crypto business.
AMINA's entry demonstrates growing confidence among international financial institutions in Hong Kong's regulatory clarity and market potential for institutional crypto services.
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