Swiss Bank AMINA Wins Hong Kong Approval for Institutional Crypto Services

HONG KONG, Nov 18, 2025 — AMINA Hong Kong Crypto Services expanded today after Swiss bank AMINA Bank AG received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to widen its institutional crypto offerings. The approval grants the bank a Type 1 license uplift. As a result, AMINA can now provide regulated crypto trading and custody services to professional investors in the city.

AMINA is regulated in Switzerland by FINMA. The bank already held a Hong Kong license to deal in securities. The uplift now adds virtual-asset dealing to its activities. Therefore, the bank can offer spot crypto trading, secure custody, and over-the-counter execution. These services comply with SFC requirements for licensed platforms and professional investors.

📢 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

The bank plans to support Bitcoin and Ether at the start. It may expand the list later. However, new assets must meet Hong Kong’s regulatory standards before approval. AMINA will target hedge funds, asset managers, family offices, and institutional clients. These groups must follow strict suitability checks under the city’s investor protection rules.

The bank said the approval reflects rising demand for regulated crypto services in Asia. It noted that Hong Kong is becoming a key market for institutional digital-asset activity. The bank also said the clear licensing structure makes it easier to offer compliant services. Because of this, AMINA expects stronger interest from global clients.

Hong Kong has been building its digital-asset framework over the past two years. The city launched a mandatory licensing regime for trading platforms in 2023. It also introduced updated rules for tokenised securities, custody, and pilot projects. Regulators said these steps are needed to strengthen governance and reduce market risks. The SFC has also warned investors to avoid unlicensed platforms.

Although volumes remain below those in the United States and Europe, Hong Kong has seen steady growth. Several licensed operators reported increased order flow in recent months. Analysts say this trend shows that institutional investors want regulated access to crypto markets. They believe the entry of a Swiss-regulated bank may further boost confidence.

A digital-asset analyst in Hong Kong said AMINA’s approval adds credibility to the city’s market. The analyst noted that AMINA brings strong compliance standards from Switzerland. Because of this, the approval could attract more banks and institutions. The analyst also mentioned that regulated custody may help deepen liquidity over time.

Across Asia, several countries are shaping their own digital-asset policies. Singapore continues to refine its licensing framework. Japan is developing clearer rules for stablecoins and tokenised assets. South Korea is preparing stricter investor-protection laws. Even so, Hong Kong aims to differentiate itself by offering a structured and open framework for professional investors.

AMINA said the expanded licence will allow it to offer integrated services. This includes fiat-to-crypto transactions, portfolio support, and compliance reporting. The bank’s Hong Kong team works closely with its Swiss headquarters. The group offers banking services, custody, and digital-asset investment products. Together, these capabilities support clients across different markets.

Institutional interest has grown as market conditions stabilised. Bitcoin liquidity has improved in recent quarters. Several tokenisation projects in Asia have drawn attention from financial institutions. Family offices in Hong Kong have also returned to digital-asset allocations. Many paused investments during the 2022 downturn but are now re-entering gradually.

However, regulators continue to stress the importance of strict licensing. The SFC said only firms with strong financial resources and proper controls can operate in the market. It also continues to monitor unlicensed operators. According to the regulator, this approach protects investors and supports long-term market development.

Industry observers expect more applications from global banks. They believe regulated custody, over-the-counter trading, and tokenised products will gain traction. Some expect growth in tokenised bonds and stablecoin projects once rules become clearer. These developments could help integrate digital assets into Hong Kong’s broader financial system.

Market outlook remains steady. Analysts say institutional activity in Asia may grow if regulatory clarity continues. They expect Hong Kong to attract more firms under its virtual-asset regime. They also believe the region could benefit from rising global interest in regulated crypto services. Despite market risks, they see gradual expansion as likely.

Recap

• AMINA Bank AG received an SFC Type 1 licence uplift.
• The bank can now offer institutional crypto trading and custody.
• Bitcoin and Ether will be supported at launch.
• The approval strengthens Hong Kong’s regulated digital-asset market.
• Analysts expect gradual institutional growth in Asia.