Hong Kong’s Surging Market Attracts Global Players

Swiss cryptocurrency bank AMINA Bank AG has become the first international bank to receive regulatory approval in Hong Kong, authorizing it to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients. The move signals the city’s growing appeal as a regulated hub for digital assets.

This approval comes as the regional market experiences significant growth. AMINA reported a 233% increase in trading volume on Hong Kong crypto exchanges during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Michael Benz, the head of AMINA’s Hong Kong operations, noted that the license paves the way for the firm to expand into private fund management, structured products, and tokenized real-world assets.

These financial instruments are widely seen as the next frontier for institutional demand in Hong Kong. While AMINA is the first foreign bank to secure this enhanced Type 1 permission, it joins a competitive ecosystem that includes established local firms like Tiger Brokers and HashKey.

A Strategic Push for Global Crypto Hub Status

Hong Kong has been actively positioning itself as a stable and regulated alternative to other markets with less regulatory clarity. This strategy includes a series of major policy updates designed to attract global digital-asset businesses and integrate them with traditional finance.

In a significant policy shift, the city is overhauling its trading rules to allow licensed exchanges to connect with global order books for the first time. Announced by Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Chief Executive Julia Leung, this change will end Hong Kong’s isolated trading model and strengthen its role as a regional crypto hub.

This initiative is part of a broader regulatory push that began in 2022. Recent milestones include the introduction of stablecoin rules in August, which prompted major banks like HSBC to explore licensing, and the approval of the city’s first Solana ETF in October. Despite tightening certain self-custody rules to mitigate cybersecurity risks, regulators are also finalizing licensing frameworks for crypto dealers and custodians, signaling a continued commitment to responsible growth.

The new liquidity rules may also permit licensed brokers—not just exchanges—to access global pools, potentially creating streamlined entry points for international platforms. AMINA’s entry adds fresh momentum to Hong Kong’s determined effort to cement its status as a premier destination for institutional crypto finance.