Swiss Bank AMINA Wins Hong Kong Approval for Institutional Crypto Services

The license follows a 233% surge in Hong Kong crypto trading volumes.

Swiss crypto bank AMINA Bank AG has secured regulatory approval in Hong Kong to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients, becoming the first international bank to receive such authorization in the city. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Hong Kong's efforts to establish itself as a leading global hub for institutional digital asset services.

Key Takeaways:

• AMINA became the first international bank approved in Hong Kong to offer institutional crypto trading and custody.
• The license follows a 233% surge in Hong Kong crypto trading volumes.
• It also positions AMINA to expand into funds, derivatives and tokenized assets.

In a Monday press release, the bank announced that the Securities and Futures Commission granted a "Type 1 license uplift," allowing AMINA to serve a segment of the market that has struggled to access compliant, bank-grade crypto services under Hong Kong's strict regulatory regime. This Type 1 license is a comprehensive authorization that enables financial institutions to deal in securities and provide related services, representing the highest level of regulatory approval in Hong Kong's financial sector.

With the approval, AMINA's Hong Kong unit can now offer trading and custody for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, Tether and several major DeFi tokens. This diverse range of supported digital assets allows institutional clients to access a comprehensive suite of crypto services while maintaining compliance with local regulations. The bank's infrastructure combines Swiss banking standards with cutting-edge blockchain technology, providing institutional-grade security and operational efficiency.

AMINA Eyes Expansion as Hong Kong Crypto Trading Surges 233%

The move comes amid rapid market growth in the region: AMINA reported a 233% increase in trading volume on Hong Kong crypto exchanges during a recent period compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets in Asia and demonstrates the strong market demand for regulated crypto services in the region.

Michael Benz, AMINA's Hong Kong head, said the license positions the firm to expand into private fund management, structured products, derivatives and tokenized real-world assets. These areas are expected to form the next wave of institutional demand in Hong Kong as the city accelerates its push to attract global digital-asset businesses. The expansion into these sophisticated financial products will enable AMINA to serve a broader range of institutional clients, including family offices, hedge funds, and traditional financial institutions seeking exposure to digital assets.

Hong Kong has been actively courting international crypto firms, pitching itself as a regulated alternative to markets with less clarity. The city's approach combines strict regulatory oversight with a business-friendly environment, creating a framework that balances investor protection with innovation. This strategy has proven effective in attracting both established financial institutions and emerging crypto-native companies.

While AMINA is the first foreign bank to obtain the enhanced Type 1 permission, it joins an ecosystem already served by local players such as Tiger Brokers and HashKey. The presence of these established local operators demonstrates the maturity of Hong Kong's crypto market infrastructure and provides AMINA with a collaborative environment for growth and partnership opportunities.

The approval aligns with a broader regulatory shift. In recent months, Hong Kong introduced long-awaited stablecoin rules, prompting major banks such as HSBC and ICBC to consider licensing. These developments signal a comprehensive approach to digital asset regulation that extends beyond cryptocurrency trading to encompass the entire digital asset ecosystem.

The SFC also approved its first Solana ETF recently, ahead of the United States, as part of its effort to expand the city's crypto investment offerings. This proactive stance on crypto investment products demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to remaining at the forefront of digital asset innovation while maintaining robust regulatory standards.

Despite tightening certain self-custody rules to curb cybersecurity risks, regulators have continued signaling an openness to responsible digital-asset growth. The balanced approach ensures that security concerns are addressed without stifling innovation or limiting legitimate business opportunities in the crypto sector.

AMINA's entry adds fresh momentum to Hong Kong's effort to cement its status as a global hub for institutional crypto finance. The bank's Swiss heritage and expertise in traditional banking, combined with its deep understanding of blockchain technology, position it uniquely to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem.

Hong Kong to Open Crypto Trading to Global Liquidity

Hong Kong is preparing a major overhaul of its crypto trading rules, allowing licensed exchanges to connect with global order books for the first time. This transformative change will fundamentally alter how digital assets are traded in the city and represents one of the most significant regulatory developments in the region's crypto market evolution.

The change, announced by SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung during Hong Kong Fintech Week, will end the city's isolated trading model and align digital asset rules with those used across traditional financial markets. By enabling integration with global liquidity pools, Hong Kong exchanges will be able to offer deeper markets, tighter spreads, and more efficient price discovery for their clients.

The move is part of a broader push to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a regional crypto hub. Since 2022, the city has introduced exchange licensing, approved Bitcoin and Ether-linked investment products and begun shaping a digital-asset fund ecosystem. These coordinated efforts demonstrate a comprehensive strategy to build a complete infrastructure for institutional crypto services.

Despite these efforts, Hong Kong's trading volumes still trail markets like the United States, prompting regulators to refine their approach while maintaining strict investor protections. The new liquidity rules are designed to address this gap by making Hong Kong's markets more competitive and attractive to international institutional traders.

Alongside the new liquidity rules, Hong Kong is finalizing licensing frameworks for crypto dealers, custodians and stablecoin issuers. These comprehensive regulatory frameworks will provide clarity and certainty for businesses operating in the digital asset space, encouraging further investment and innovation in the sector.

Regulators may also let licensed brokers, not just exchanges, tap into global liquidity pools, potentially offering easier entry routes for major international platforms. This flexible approach could accelerate the integration of Hong Kong's crypto market with global trading infrastructure while maintaining the city's high regulatory standards. The expansion of licensing categories will create multiple pathways for different types of businesses to participate in Hong Kong's digital asset ecosystem, fostering competition and innovation while ensuring appropriate oversight and investor protection.

FAQ

What is AMINA Bank? Why do Swiss banks enter the cryptocurrency sector?

AMINA Bank is a Swiss-regulated digital bank specializing in institutional crypto services. Swiss banks enter crypto to meet growing institutional demand and capitalize on regulatory clarity. AMINA provides secure, compliant crypto solutions across multiple jurisdictions.

What specific license did AMINA obtain from Hong Kong approval? What is its significance?

AMINA obtained a cryptocurrency license from Hong Kong regulators, enabling it to provide institutional crypto trading and custody services. As the first international bank to secure this license, it strengthens institutional crypto adoption in Asia.

What institutional crypto services does AMINA provide? What types of clients are they suitable for?

AMINA offers regulated crypto asset custody, exchange between digital and fiat assets, and transfer services. Designed for institutional clients and enterprises requiring compliant financial infrastructure and professional-grade solutions.

What impact does this news have on the cryptocurrency market and Hong Kong's financial position?

This approval strengthens Hong Kong's position as a global financial hub and signals institutional adoption of crypto. It attracts more institutional capital to the market, enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness and driving cryptocurrency market growth and legitimacy.

Is traditional banking entering the crypto field a trend? What does it mean for investors?

Yes, traditional banks entering crypto represents a major market trend. For investors, this signals increased institutional adoption, greater market legitimacy, enhanced regulatory clarity, and accelerated mainstream integration of digital assets. This institutional influx is expected to drive sustained market growth and asset value appreciation.

Is AMINA's crypto service secure? What regulatory protections are in place?

AMINA is regulated by Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission, offering fully segregated client accounts and institutional-grade security. Your assets are protected under strict regulatory oversight.

What are Hong Kong's advantages in cryptocurrency regulation?

Hong Kong offers a robust financial regulatory framework, abundant fintech talent, and active government support for innovation. These elements create a stable and conducive environment for institutional digital asset services and Web3 development.