Crypto bank AMINA gets Hong Kong license to launch institutional trading

Swiss crypto bank AMINA Bank AG announced it has received regulatory approval in Hong Kong to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients in the region. This makes AMINA the first international bank to obtain such permission.

AMINA stated that the “Type 1 license uplift” from the Securities and Futures Commission is designed to address a perceived gap in the Hong Kong institutional crypto market. This market has previously faced limited access to bank-grade crypto services due to the region’s stringent regulatory compliance standards.

The newly acquired license will empower AMINA’s Hong Kong subsidiary to provide services for 13 cryptocurrencies. These include prominent digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USDC, Tether (USDT), and major decentralized finance tokens.

This development coincides with AMINA’s report of a significant increase in trading volume on Hong Kong crypto exchanges. The bank observed a 233% rise in trading volume in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This trend suggests a growing adoption of the cryptocurrency asset class by both retail and institutional traders.

Michael Benz, head of AMINA for Hong Kong, commented that the license will facilitate the company's expansion into private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets. This strategic move aims to broaden the range of crypto offerings available to AMINA’s client base.

Hong Kong Courts International Crypto Firms

Hong Kong is actively positioning itself as a leading global crypto hub. The recent approval granted to AMINA could serve as an encouragement for other international firms to explore the market.

While AMINA highlights its status as the first international firm to achieve this Type 1 license upgrade, it enters a market that already includes established local players. These include companies such as Tiger Brokers and HashKey, among others.

Hong Kong Launched New Stablecoin Rules in August

The region has adopted a cautious yet progressive approach to cryptocurrency regulation. In August, Hong Kong introduced long-awaited stablecoin rules. This regulatory development prompted financial institutions like HSBC and ICBC to consider applying for licenses shortly thereafter.

Further demonstrating its commitment to the digital asset space, Hong Kong’s SFC approved its first Solana exchange-traded fund in late October, preceding similar approvals in the United States.

In August, Hong Kong also implemented stricter rules concerning self-custody of crypto assets. This measure was primarily intended to mitigate cybersecurity risks rather than to restrict user access or freedom in managing their digital assets.