• Regulatory Milestone: AMINA Bank’s approval addresses the institutional demand for compliant crypto services in Hong Kong’s strict regulatory environment.

• Hong Kong’s crypto market shows rapid growth, with trading volumes up 233% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.

• Expanded Offerings: The license enables access to 13 major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, and DeFi tokens for institutional clients.

Discover how AMINA Bank’s new Hong Kong crypto license boosts institutional access to secure trading and custody. Explore the 233% volume surge and regulatory advancements shaping Asia’s crypto hub in 2025—stay ahead with expert insights today.

What is AMINA Bank’s New Crypto License in Hong Kong?

AMINA Bank’s Hong Kong crypto license represents a pivotal regulatory approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), allowing the Swiss-based crypto-friendly bank to provide trading and custody services to institutional clients. This Type 1 license uplift makes AMINA the first international banking group to launch comprehensive crypto operations in the region. It fills a critical gap in bank-grade services, where high compliance standards have previously limited options for institutions, corporates, family offices, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

How Does This License Impact Institutional Crypto Services?

The license empowers AMINA’s Hong Kong subsidiary to offer custody and trading for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens. This development comes at a time when Hong Kong’s crypto exchanges reported a 233% increase in trading volumes during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to market data from AMINA Bank. The surge reflects growing adoption among both retail and institutional traders, driven by Hong Kong’s proactive stance as a global crypto hub.

Michael Benz, head of AMINA for Hong Kong, emphasized the broader implications: “This license will enable us to expand into private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets, providing a wider range of crypto offerings for our client base.” Such services are designed to meet the region’s stringent regulatory requirements, ensuring secure and compliant access to digital assets. Experts from the financial sector, including analysts at Bloomberg, have noted that similar approvals could accelerate institutional inflows into Asia’s crypto markets, potentially reaching billions in assets under management by year-end.

Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, overseen by the SFC, prioritizes investor protection and financial stability. The approval process involved rigorous assessments of AMINA’s risk management and cybersecurity protocols, aligning with global standards set by bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This positions AMINA to compete with local players such as HashKey and Tiger Brokers, while attracting international firms seeking a foothold in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cryptocurrencies will AMINA Bank support under its Hong Kong license?

AMINA Bank’s Hong Kong subsidiary will support trading and custody for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and major DeFi tokens. This selection caters to institutional needs for diversified exposure in a regulated environment, with services launching imminently for qualified clients.

Why is Hong Kong becoming a key destination for international crypto banks like AMINA?

Hong Kong is emerging as a premier crypto hub due to its balanced regulatory approach, including recent stablecoin rules and the approval of innovative products like the first Solana ETF. For international banks, the market offers high growth potential, evidenced by the 233% trading volume increase in early 2025, making it ideal for secure, compliant institutional services.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Breakthrough: AMINA Bank’s Type 1 license marks it as the pioneer international bank for crypto services in Hong Kong, enhancing institutional access amid rising market demand.
• Market Growth Surge: With a 233% increase in trading volumes in the first half of 2025, Hong Kong solidifies its role as Asia’s crypto leader, supported by approvals like this one.
• Future Expansion Opportunities: Institutions should monitor AMINA’s rollout of advanced products like tokenized assets to capitalize on Hong Kong’s evolving crypto ecosystem.

Conclusion

AMINA Bank’s Hong Kong crypto license underscores the region’s appeal as a regulated gateway for institutional digital asset services, integrating key cryptocurrencies and addressing compliance gaps. As trading volumes climb 233% in early 2025, this approval signals broader opportunities for international players in Hong Kong’s institutional crypto services landscape. Financial institutions eyeing Asia’s growth should prepare for increased adoption of secure custody and trading solutions, positioning themselves for long-term success in this dynamic market.

Crypto trading and custody – now available at AMINA Hong Kong!
Today, AMINA becomes the first international banking group to launch comprehensive crypto trading and custody services in Hong Kong.
What this means for institutions, corporates, family offices, and UHNWI… pic.twitter.com/74EtwDV9Bs

— AMINA Bank (@AMINABankGlobal) November 18, 2025