Hong Kong clears AMINA for regulated crypto trading
Swiss crypto-focused AMINA Bank AG has become the first international bank to receive approval from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to offer institutional crypto trading and custody services, marking a major milestone in the city’s push to attract global digital-asset firms.
The SFC granted AMINA a “Type 1 licence uplift,” enabling its Hong Kong entity to provide trading and custody for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, Tether, and leading DeFi tokens. At a time when compliance on-ramps are still scarce due to Hong Kong’s stringent regulatory framework, the permission grants institutions access to bank-grade cryptocurrency infrastructure.
Regulatory first comes amid explosive growth in Hong Kong trading
AMINA’s licence arrives during a significant expansion of the region’s crypto market, as reported by Crypto News. The bank reported a 233 percent increase in trading volumes on Hong Kong platforms in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring renewed institutional appetite following the city’s regulatory overhaul.
Michael Benz, AMINA’s Hong Kong head, said the enhanced licence positions the bank to branch out into private funds, structured products, derivatives, and tokenised real-world assets, which he expects to drive the next wave of institutional demand.
Hong Kong accelerates bid to become Asia’s institutional crypto hub
The clearance supports Hong Kong’s plan to separate itself apart from uncontrolled markets by creating an institution-friendly, closely monitored digital asset ecosystem. Since 2022, the city has implemented stablecoin regulations, authorised its first Solana ETF before the US, and established an exchange licensing system.
Local players such as HashKey and Tiger Brokers have already obtained approvals, but AMINA is the first foreign bank to secure the uplift needed to serve institutional crypto clients.
Regulators have signaled continued openness to responsible innovation, even while tightening certain self-custody requirements to curb cybersecurity risks.
Global liquidity access coming as Hong Kong prepares new trading model
The approval of AMINA coincides with Hong Kong’s preparations for a significant revision of the regulations governing cryptocurrency trading. By enabling approved exchanges to connect with international order books, the SFC intends to abolish the city’s historically isolated trading paradigm and bring digital asset markets into line with conventional finance.
SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung announced the shift during Hong Kong Fintech Week, framing it as a key step in boosting liquidity and reinforcing the city’s role as a regional crypto hub.
Alongside this change, Hong Kong is finalising licensing frameworks for crypto brokers, custodians, and stablecoin issuers, potentially opening more pathways for global firms such as Binance or Coinbase to enter the market.
Stablecoins gaining prominence
Meanwhile, in June, stablecoins gained sudden prominence within China’s financial and technology sectors. Hong Kong’s financial sector is also experiencing a shift as major institutions respond to the city’s new stablecoin framework. Among these, the Hong Kong branch of Standard Chartered has partnered with Web3 company Animoca Brands to develop a stablecoin backed by the Hong Kong dollar. Anchorpoint Financial Limited, a joint venture intended to function within Hong Kong’s changing regulatory environment, was established as a result of this cooperation.
AMINA’s entry boosts Hong Kong’s institutional crypto ambitions
With institutions increasingly seeking compliant digital-asset exposure, AMINA’s arrival offers Hong Kong fresh momentum in its effort to cement itself as a global centre for regulated crypto finance.
