The Swiss crypto-focused bank becomes the first international institution approved to offer regulated trading and custody services in a rapidly expanding Hong Kong digital asset market.
AMINA Bank AG, a leading crypto-friendly institution based in Switzerland, has received regulatory approval in Hong Kong to expand its institutional crypto services. The approval marks a significant milestone both for AMINA and for the region, arriving during a period in which Hong Kong’s crypto trading activity has surged 233% in the first half of 2025. The move signals growing demand for bank-grade digital asset services in one of Asia’s most ambitious crypto markets.
AMINA Receives Type 1 License Uplift
The Securities and Futures Commission granted AMINA a Type 1 license uplift, enabling its Hong Kong subsidiary to offer regulated crypto trading and custody services specifically tailored to institutional clients.
This is the first time an international bank has been approved for such permissions in Hong Kong.
The license will allow AMINA to support 13 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, USDT, and several leading decentralized finance tokens. The bank said this step fills a long-standing gap in Hong Kong, where institutional investors have struggled to access secure, compliant digital asset services under strict regulatory frameworks.
Michael Benz, AMINA’s head for Hong Kong, said the approval opens the door to a broader service suite.
He noted that the bank plans to expand into private fund management, structured crypto products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets, aiming to meet the evolving needs of its institutional client base.
Rising Crypto Activity Strengthens Hong Kong’s Market Position
AMINA’s approval coincides with a rapid acceleration of overall crypto activity in the region. The bank recently reported a 233% year-over-year increase in trading volumes across Hong Kong exchanges, reflecting heightened participation from both retail and institutional traders.
This spike highlights Hong Kong’s growing role as a digital asset hub, with global firms increasingly exploring regulated expansion into the market.
Although AMINA is the first international bank to secure the license upgrade, it now joins a competitive ecosystem already served by firms such as HashKey, Tiger Brokers, and other locally regulated platforms.
Hong Kong’s Push Toward Stronger Regulatory Clarity
Hong Kong has taken a balanced approach to digital asset innovation, blending opportunity with stringent standards. In August, the region introduced its long-anticipated stablecoin regulatory framework, prompting large banks — including HSBC and ICBC — to consider entering the licensed stablecoin issuer market.
More recently, the SFC approved its first Solana-based exchange-traded fund, beating global competitors and signaling openness to diversified crypto-linked investment products. Authorities have also tightened rules around self-custody of digital assets, a move designed primarily to reduce cybersecurity risks.
Taken together, these developments underscore Hong Kong’s vision of building a globally trusted, institution-friendly crypto ecosystem.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.