- AMINA Bank gains important license in Hong Kong, broadening crypto services.
- First international bank to secure crypto trading license.
- Institutional crypto trading demand set to rise significantly.
This development underscores Hong Kong’s strategic push toward leading the Asian institutional crypto market, impacting trading volumes and fostering regulated pathways for professional investors.
Swiss-based AMINA Bank AG has secured a key Hong Kong SFC Type 1 license uplift, becoming the first international bank authorized for institutional crypto trading. This aligns with Hong Kong’s ambition to become a prime institutional crypto hub.
AMINA Bank’s Hong Kong subsidiary expanded its capabilities through the license awarded by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Led by Michael Benz, who previously held positions in major financial institutions, the bank solidifies its regional presence. Benz noted that “Hong Kong has established itself as the region’s most sophisticated market for regulated institutional crypto adoption, and this licence uplift positions AMINA to serve the accelerating demand from professional investors seeking trusted access to crypto.”
The license allows AMINA to offer 24/7 crypto spot trading and custody of 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Trading volumes in Hong Kong have already surged, reflecting heightened institutional interest.
This development strengthens AMINA’s market foothold, allowing it to cater to professional investors. Julia Leung, SFC CEO, stressed regulatory shifts favoring institutional trading, further cementing Hong Kong’s role as a trading hub.
The move is part of Hong Kong’s broader effort to balance innovation with regulation. It follows similar market approvals, like the city’s Solana ETF launch.
AMINA’s 233% increase in trading volumes indicates rising institutional activity. Future impacts potentially include broader global crypto liquidity access and expanded use of digital assets in the region.
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