AMINA Bank Secures Crypto License in Hong Kong, First International Bank to Do So

AMINA Bank Gains Ground in Hong Kong with Landmark Crypto License

AMINA Bank AG, a Swiss-based cryptocurrency bank, has announced it secured crucial regulatory approval in Hong Kong, enabling the institution to provide comprehensive cryptocurrency trading and custody services to institutional clients operating within the region. This achievement positions AMINA as the pioneering international banking entity to receive such a permit.

According to AMINA, the "Type 1 license uplift" granted by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) will significantly address a discernible gap in Hong Kong's institutional cryptocurrency market. This market has faced limitations in accessing bank-grade crypto services, largely due to the region's stringent regulatory compliance requirements.

The license empowers AMINA's Hong Kong subsidiary to offer a portfolio of 13 cryptocurrencies, encompassing Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USDC (USDC), Tether (USDT), and other prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens.

Surge in Trading Volume Underlines Growing Interest

This announcement coincides with AMINA reporting a substantial 233% surge in trading volume across Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchanges in the first half of 2025 compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This surge signals the escalating acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies among both retail and institutional traders.

Michael Benz, the Head of AMINA for Hong Kong, highlighted that the newly acquired license would facilitate the company's expansion into key areas such as private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets. This expansion is aimed at providing a more diversified and comprehensive suite of crypto-related offerings for AMINA's expanding client base.

Hong Kong’s Crypto Ambitions Attract Global Players

Hong Kong is actively solidifying its position as a prominent global crypto hub, and AMINA's recent regulatory win could incentivize other foreign financial institutions to explore the market. While AMINA claims the mantle of the first international firm to secure a Type 1 license upgrade, it enters a competitive landscape already populated by established local players, including Tiger Brokers and HashKey.

Hong Kong introduced updated stablecoin regulations in August, reflecting a cautious yet progressive approach to the crypto sector. These regulations have prompted major financial institutions like HSBC and ICBC to consider applying for relevant licenses. Furthermore, Hong Kong's SFC approved its inaugural Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF) in late October, outpacing the United States in this regard.

Hong Kong has also reinforced its regulations pertaining to self-custody of cryptocurrencies, prioritizing cybersecurity risk mitigation over restricting user autonomy.