Switzerland’s AMINA Bank AG has officially entered one of Asia’s most tightly regulated digital-asset markets after securing approval from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The license allows the bank to offer crypto trading and custody services to institutional and professional investors — a milestone that positions AMINA as the first international banking group to receive the city’s “Type 1 license uplift.”
The approval, announced on Nov. 18, marks a major step for AMINA as Hong Kong continues shaping itself into a hub for regulated crypto finance. The bank will operate through its local subsidiary, AMINA HK, and will initially support 13 digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT).
Michael Benz, AMINA’s Head of Hong Kong and APAC, said the move comes at a time when institutional demand in the city is accelerating.
“Hong Kong has established itself as the region’s most sophisticated market for regulated institutional crypto adoption,” Benz noted, adding that the license enables the bank to meet growing demand for secure and compliant access to digital assets.
Filling a Gap in Hong Kong’s Crypto Market
AMINA believes its entry will help fill what it calls a “critical gap” in Hong Kong’s institutional crypto space. According to the bank, many professional investors and family offices have struggled to access institutional-grade digital-asset services while also onboarding locally. The new license aims to solve that challenge.
While the approval gives institutional traders access to a broader selection of tokens, retail investors in Hong Kong remain limited to large-cap cryptocurrencies that appear in at least two recognized indices.
Still, Hong Kong continues to be a key jurisdiction for global financial institutions. Earlier this month, AMINA reported a massive 233% surge in trading volumes across Hong Kong crypto exchanges during the first half of 2025, signaling robust growth in institutional activity.
“Hong Kong’s crypto landscape in 2025 demonstrates institutional adoption at scale,” the bank wrote.
What It Takes to Secure a Type 1 License Uplift
To receive the license boost, firms must prove to the SFC that they meet strict capital rules, maintain adequate risk-management systems, and have qualified Responsible Officers overseeing operations. With the approval in hand, AMINA plans to broaden its crypto product lineup — including private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets.
“This milestone enables us to expand our crypto product shelf,” Benz said, emphasizing the importance of offering regulated services to high-value clients.
AMINA’s Global Expansion Continues
The Hong Kong approval comes just weeks after AMINA secured a MiCA license in the European Union. Its new Austrian subsidiary, AMINA (Austria) AG, received permission from the Austrian Financial Market Authority to provide trading, custody, and portfolio management services across the European Economic Area.
In recent months, the bank has also bolstered its institutional offerings with support for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, staking for Polygon’s POL token, and the removal of custody fees for USD Coin reward accounts — signaling its growing ambition to become a leading global player in institutional crypto finance.
Also Read: Japan Moves to Reclassify Crypto as Financial Products, Plans Major Tax Cuts
