AMINA Bank Secures Hong Kong Crypto Trading License
- AMINA Bank secures a Hong Kong license, expanding institutional crypto access.
- The move follows local regulatory overhaul.
- Increased institutional demand expected with new trading services.
AMINA Bank AG, a Swiss-based crypto-centric institution, has secured a Type 1 license from Hong Kong’s SFC, enabling institutional crypto trading and custody services expansion as of Thursday.
This development represents a critical step in increasing institutional access to crypto markets, potentially boosting Hong Kong’s position as a central hub in the digital asset industry.
AMINA Bank AG secured a SFC license, becoming the first foreign bank to offer institutional crypto services in Hong Kong. This move marks AMINA: First International Bank to Provide Crypto Trading Services a key expansion in the city’s compliant digital asset market, supporting 13 cryptocurrencies including BTC and ETH.
The bank, led by Michael Benz in Hong Kong, expands into private funds and structured products. Initially operating under Swiss regulations, AMINA now focuses on driving institutional demand through diversified crypto offerings.
Immediate market effects include a reported 233% increase in trading volumes in H1 2025 compared to 2024. This surge reflects the thriving Hong Kong: APAC Leader in Digital Asset Adoption by 2025, highlighting the surge in institutional engagement with regulated crypto markets in Hong Kong.
Julia Leung, CEO, SFC, said, “The shift is a key step in boosting liquidity and reinforcing the city’s role as a regional crypto hub.”
LinkedIn and Telegram discussions indicate positive sentiment within institutional circles. The SFC continues to refine its regulatory frameworks, further shaping AMINA Bank Global Tweet on Crypto Trading Opportunities Hong Kong’s role in the digital asset industry. Community expectations include improved regulatory credibility.
Potential outcomes include increased cross-border asset flows and tech integration through tokenization. Historical precedents suggest greater institutional inflows, paralleling developments seen in other global financial centers.