TLDR
- AMINA Bank has received regulatory approval to offer crypto trading and custodial services to institutional clients in Hong Kong.
- The bank is the first international financial institution to secure Hong Kong’s “Type 1 license uplift” for crypto services.
- AMINA Bank’s Hong Kong subsidiary will offer 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and Tether.
- The new license allows AMINA to meet the growing demand from professional investors seeking institutional-grade crypto services.
- Hong Kong’s crypto market has seen a 233% increase in trading volume in 2025, highlighting the region’s institutional adoption of crypto.
AMINA Bank AG has obtained approval from Hong Kong’s regulators to provide crypto trading and custodial services to institutional clients. The bank, based in Switzerland, is the first international banking group to receive the “Type 1 license uplift” for crypto services in Hong Kong. The approval positions AMINA Bank to cater to the growing demand for institutional-grade crypto services in the region.
Hong Kong’s Crypto Market and AMINA’s Expansion Plans
Hong Kong has become a leading market for regulated institutional crypto adoption in Asia. As one of the most tightly regulated yet forward-looking crypto hubs, the city offers AMINA Bank a unique opportunity. Michael Benz, Head of AMINA Hong Kong and APAC, commented, “Hong Kong has established itself as the region’s most sophisticated market for regulated institutional crypto adoption.”
With the new regulatory clearance, AMINA Bank will operate through its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, AMINA HK. The “Type 1 license uplift” allows the bank to offer trading and custodial services for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT). The license gives AMINA access to the institutional market that has faced limited options for crypto services in the region.
AMINA Bank’s move aims to address the gap in Hong Kong’s institutional crypto market. Many professional investors and family offices in Hong Kong have struggled with limited access to international institutional-grade crypto services. AMINA plans to offer these services, which include secure crypto custody and trading solutions for larger institutional clients.
Despite the growing crypto market in Hong Kong, retail traders face restrictions. They are primarily limited to trading large-cap tokens that are listed in at least two recognized indices. However, institutional investors can now access a broader range of cryptocurrencies through AMINA’s services, a step that meets the demands of professional clients in the region.
AMINA Bank has continued its global expansion, securing a MiCA license in Europe earlier this month. The license, granted by the Financial Market Authority in Austria, allows AMINA’s subsidiary, AMINA (Austria) AG, to provide trading, custody, and portfolio management services to institutional clients across the European Economic Area. The bank has focused on expanding its institutional offerings by adding new services and assets, including support for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.
In addition to these offerings, AMINA has introduced staking services for Polygon’s POL token and eliminated custody fees for USD Coin reward accounts. The bank’s expansion into both the European and Hong Kong markets demonstrates its ongoing commitment to providing institutional-grade crypto services worldwide.
Hong Kong’s Tightening Crypto Regulations
Hong Kong has taken a cautious approach to cryptocurrency, implementing tighter regulations in recent months. In August, the city introduced rules for stablecoins, prompting banks like HSBC and ICBC to seek licenses. Later in the year, Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission approved the first Solana exchange-traded fund in the city.
These regulatory changes aim to ensure a secure crypto environment while fostering institutional adoption. In response, AMINA Bank’s efforts to meet the capital requirements and risk management standards have helped secure the Type 1 license uplift. This milestone enables the bank to offer its full range of institutional crypto services in Hong Kong under a regulated framework.
The bank’s ability to provide custody, trading, and fund management services is set to support the rising demand from professional investors. Michael Benz noted that the license will enable AMINA Bank to offer “private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets.” These services are tailored to meet the needs of the professional investor community in Hong Kong, providing a more robust and regulated crypto environment.
AMINA’s expansion into Hong Kong also comes as crypto trading volumes in the region are rising. The bank reported a 233% increase in crypto trading volume across Hong Kong exchanges during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This growth highlights the city’s role as a hub for institutional crypto adoption.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
