AMINA Bank AG recently confirmed securing a decisive regulatory approval to offer institutional cryptocurrency trading services in Hong Kong. This official authorization makes the Swiss-origin entity the first international bank to operate comprehensive custody and digital asset trading services in the Asian region.
The Securities and Futures Commission granted the so-called “Type 1 license uplift,” which is a significant technical and legal advancement. This measure will allow the local subsidiary to legally manage 13 major crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins. Additionally, the bank reported a notable 233% increase in crypto trading volume during the first half of 2025, indicating strong demand. Michael Benz, AMINA’s director in Hong Kong, highlighted that this will facilitate the creation of private funds and structured products for demanding clients.
Will this license catalyze the massive entry of institutional capital in Asia?
On the other hand, the Hong Kong market has historically maintained rigorous compliance standards that hindered banking access to virtual assets. This approval fills a critical gap, as it offers highly regulated banking-grade services. Previously, institutional investors faced limited options to operate with total security, so this license represents a milestone of regulatory and operational maturity indispensable for the growth of the local financial sector.
Likewise, the entry of a regulated Swiss bank could further legitimize the sector in the eyes of skeptical corporations and conservative family offices. The availability of custody and trading services under strict regulations will likely incentivize the entry of fresh capital into the ecosystem, stabilizing prices in the long term. Thus, Hong Kong reinforces its competitive position as a global financial hub, challenging other jurisdictions that also seek to attract large digital investment firms.
Finally, AMINA strategically positions itself in an environment where local competition already includes established players such as HashKey and Tiger Brokers. It is expected that this measure will encourage the arrival of more foreign entities, consolidating the necessary infrastructure for cryptocurrencies in Asia. The success of this initiative will depend on the actual adoption of these financial products by large estates during the coming months of the year.
