Key Takeaways
- Swiss crypto bank AMINA has received regulatory approval to operate in Hong Kong.
- The Type 1 license allows AMINA to offer crypto trading and custody services.
- Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as Asia’s most active, institution-friendly crypto hub.
Swiss-regulated crypto bank AMINA Bank AG has secured a key regulatory license in Hong Kong, clearing the way for it to offer spot crypto trading and custody services to institutional clients.
The approval positions AMINA as the first international banking group granted such access under Hong Kong’s maturing digital-asset regime.
A Market Hungry for Institutional Access
AMINA received a Type 1 license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), a designation that permits regulated trading and advisory activity.
For institutional investors in Hong Kong—family offices, wealth managers, and funds—the move fills a gap that has existed despite the city’s ambitious policy stance.
Until now, institutions seeking bank-grade crypto custody and global trading access have largely been forced to operate offshore, even as Hong Kong has built out a licensing regime meant to attract high-quality operators.
AMINA’s arrival brings that infrastructure onshore.
Michael Benz, Head of AMINA Hong Kong and APAC, said the bank’s entry brings together two established strengths: Switzerland’s banking standards and Hong Kong’s sophisticated digital-asset market.
The bank intends to build out a product suite that includes private funds, structured crypto products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets.
With the license, AMINA HK can offer 24/7 spot crypto trading, institutional-grade asset protection, and direct deposits and withdrawals to whitelisted addresses.
Hong Kong’s Crypto Push Is Accelerating
AMINA’s launch comes as Hong Kong cements itself as one of Asia’s most proactive jurisdictions for digital assets.
Since implementing its virtual-asset trading platform (VATP) licensing program in 2023, the SFC has approved 10 licensed exchanges, including OSL, HashKey, and Bullish—all under strict oversight designed to attract institutional money.
Other recent developments include:
- A full-reserve stablecoin regime, enacted in 2024, requiring 1:1 backing, instant convertibility, and full AML/KYC compliance.
- A stablecoin market that grew to $25 billion by Q2 2025.
- A policy shift announced at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, enabling global order-book trading, giving institutions deeper liquidity access.
Combined, these measures have helped Hong Kong emerge as one of the most structured, institution-friendly crypto markets in the world.
With AMINA’s entry, the city gains another piece of the infrastructure it hopes will attract global banks, fintechs, and asset managers into its expanding digital-asset ecosystem.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Prashant is an avid music enthusiast, often exploring diverse genres to unwind. A sports lover, he has a particular passion for cricket and frequently engages in discussions about the game. His multifaceted interests and sharp journalistic instincts make him a valuable contributor to CCN, where he continues shaping the crypto landscape's narrative.
