This article was first published on The Bit Journal. Swiss-based AMINA Bank has secured a key regulatory approval in Hong Kong, positioning itself to broaden institutional crypto services in one of Asia’s fastest-growing digital asset markets.
The crypto-friendly group proclaimed that it got its Type 1 license enhancement by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), which enabled its domestic subsidiary to provide its institutional clients with crypto trading and custody. According to AMINA Bank, it is the first international bank to be granted such authorization in the city.
📢 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
AMINA Bank Targets Institutional Crypto Gap
The company claims that the approval can be used to address a long-standing institutional void in the Hong Kong institutional crypto space, where the restricted availability of bank-grade digital asset services has been limited by strict compliance criteria. AMINA bank considers that the license will enable the expansion of investor interest in secure and regulated crypto platforms.
Under the new license, the Hong Kong branch of AMINA Bank can offer trading and custody services on 13 digital assets, such as Bitcoinbank, Ether, USDC, Tether, and a variety of major decentralized finance tokens. The bank indicated that the update expands its capability to provide services to bank-investors in search of regulated exposure to digital assets.
Hong Kong Sees Strong Crypto Momentum
The licensure occurs as the crypto action in Hong Kong is accelerating. In the first half of 2025, AMINA Bank announced a 233 percent increase in trading volumes on local exchanges over the same period last year a boin assisted by an increase in the number of both retail and institutional traders.
According to Michael Benz, head of Hong Kong operations at AMINA, the newly acquired license opens the door to the expansion of the firm into the field of private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets. These, he said, expansions will expand the offerings of the bank to institutions dealing with digital assets even further.
SFC Actions Highlight Hong Kong’s Crypto Commitment
The most recent authorization confirms the move of Hong Kong to become one of the most prominent global crypto destinations. Recently, the city has implemented stricter but broader regulations, such as stablecoin regulations that were introduced in August, which have encouraged major institutions to seek licensing, such as HSBC and ICBC.
In October, the SFC also passed its first Solana-based exchange-traded fund, in advance of such in the U.S. Meanwhile, new self-custody requirements were implemented earlier this year, to curtail cybersecurity risks, as opposed to limiting user authority.
Foreign Banks Join Hong Kong’s Crypto Race
Although AMINA Bank boasts of becoming the first foreign bank to receive a Type 1 license upgrade, it joins a market served by other firms including Tiger Brokers and HashKey, which still expand their digital asset offering within the Hong Kong regulatory framework.
With Hong Kong moving further into regulated crypto finance, the entry of AMINA may stimulate additional international partners to consider the market as a promising institutional development of digital assets in Asia.
Conclusion
The most recent approval of the AMINA Bank highlights the trend of Hong Kong to a more formalized digital asset ecosystem. With stricter regulation and increased institutional interest, the increased presence of the bank could be an indication of a global expansion into the region where there is an ever-growing competitive crypto market.
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Summary
- AMINA Bank secures Type 1 license for institutional crypto services in Hong Kong.
- Crypto trading volumes surge 233%, showing growing retail and institutional adoption.
- Bank to expand offerings with funds, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized assets.
- Hong Kong strengthens crypto hub status with new regulations and ETFs.
Glossary of Key Terms
Type 1 License: SFC approval for crypto trading and custody.
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC): Hong Kong’s financial regulator.
Institutional Crypto Services: Crypto solutions for professional investors.
DeFi Tokens: Crypto tokens used in decentralized finance.
Private Fund Management: Investment services for institutional clients.
Derivatives: Contracts based on underlying crypto assets.
Stablecoin Rules: Regulations for secure, compliant stablecoins.
Institutional Adoption: Professional investors entering crypto markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMINA Bank
Q1: What license did AMINA Bank get?
A Type 1 license from Hong Kong’s SFC for institutional crypto services.
Q2: Which cryptocurrencies can it trade?
13 assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, Tether, and major DeFi tokens.
Q3: How will services expand?
Includes fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized assets.
Q4: What’s the market impact?
Strengthens Hong Kong as a global crypto hub and attracts institutions.
References
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