AMINA Bank, a Swiss crypto bank, has become the first international banking group to offer comprehensive crypto trading and custody services in Hong Kong. The bank’s subsidiary, AMINA Hong Kong, received a Type 1 license uplift from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to provide digital asset services to professional investors.
The new license allows AMINA HK to offer 24/7 crypto spot trading with institutional-grade execution. It also provides SFC-compliant custody solutions, enabling secure deposits and withdrawals for clients, including institutions, corporates, family offices, and high-net-worth investors.
The bank will initially support 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins like USDC and USDT, and leading DeFi tokens. Clients can access trading and custody through web portals, mobile apps, and personalized relationship management. AMINA states its infrastructure combines Swiss banking standards with local Hong Kong expertise.
Bridging a Market Gap
According to the bank, the license addresses a gap in Hong Kong’s institutional crypto market. Professional investors and family offices have faced limited access to international, regulated crypto services with local onboarding. AMINA HK aims to bridge this gap and provide regulated, institutional-grade digital asset solutions.
Michael Benz, Head of AMINA Hong Kong and APAC, stated that the license positions the bank to meet growing demand from professional investors seeking trusted crypto access. He added that AMINA plans to expand its crypto offerings, including structured products, tokenized real-world assets, and private fund management.
The new license expands AMINA’s global presence. The organization currently has regulated operations in Abu Dhabi, Austria, and Hong Kong.