At a Glance
- AMINA Bank AG has received regulatory approval in Hong Kong to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients.
- This makes AMINA the first international bank to secure such a license in the region.
- The approval allows AMINA’s Hong Kong subsidiary to trade and custody 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, and Tether.
- Hong Kong is actively positioning itself as a global cryptocurrency hub, having recently introduced stablecoin regulations and approved its first spot crypto ETF.
- The move by AMINA aims to fill a gap for bank-grade crypto services within Hong Kong’s institutional market, known for its stringent compliance standards.
Swiss Crypto Bank AMINA Secures Key Hong Kong License
AMINA Bank AG, a Swiss cryptocurrency bank, has announced a significant regulatory milestone: it has obtained approval in Hong Kong to provide crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients. This achievement marks AMINA as the first international bank to receive such authorization in the region, signaling a growing acceptance of digital assets within traditional financial frameworks.
The approval, referred to as a “Type 1 license uplift” by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), is expected to address a notable demand in the Hong Kong institutional crypto market. Historically, this market has experienced limited access to bank-grade crypto services due to the region’s rigorous regulatory compliance requirements.
💡 With this new license, AMINA’s Hong Kong subsidiary is authorized to offer services for 13 different cryptocurrencies. This includes major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USDC, and Tether (USDT), along with several prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens, offering a comprehensive suite of digital asset options for its clients.
The expansion into Hong Kong follows an observed trend of increasing digital asset adoption. AMINA reported a substantial 233% surge in trading volume on Hong Kong crypto exchanges during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year. This uptick suggests a growing interest from both retail and institutional investors in the cryptocurrency asset class.
Michael Benz, head of AMINA for Hong Kong, highlighted the strategic importance of this development. He stated that the license will empower the company to broaden its offerings, including expansion into private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets, thereby enhancing its cryptocurrency services portfolio for its diverse client base.
Hong Kong’s Strategic Push for Crypto Dominance
Hong Kong continues to actively pursue its ambition of becoming a leading global cryptocurrency hub. The recent approval granted to AMINA Bank AG is anticipated to encourage other international financial firms to explore and establish a presence within the region’s evolving digital asset landscape.
While AMINA celebrates being the first international bank to receive this specific Type 1 license upgrade, it is entering a competitive market. Several local players, including Tiger Brokers and HashKey, are already established providers of crypto-related services to clients in Hong Kong.
Evolving Regulatory Framework in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has demonstrated a measured yet proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulation. In August, the region introduced long-awaited rules governing stablecoins, a move that prompted significant financial institutions like HSBC and ICBC to consider applying for licenses.
✅ In a notable U.S. milestone, Hong Kong’s SFC also greenlit its first spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) for Solana in late October, outpacing the United States in approving such a product.
📌 Recent regulatory adjustments in August also saw Hong Kong tighten its rules concerning self-custody of cryptocurrencies. However, these measures were primarily aimed at mitigating cybersecurity risks rather than imposing broad restrictions on user access or freedom.
Expert Summary
AMINA Bank AG’s acquisition of a Type 1 license in Hong Kong signifies a crucial step in bridging traditional banking with digital assets for institutional clients. The move underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering a regulated environment for crypto businesses, attracting international players, and solidifying its position as a key global crypto hub.
