Hong Kong Investors Get Regulated Crypto Access via Swiss-Asian Partnership

Swiss-regulated crypto bank AMINA Bank has partnered with Metalpha Technology Holding, a Hong Kong-based digital asset wealth management firm, to introduce a new product aimed at qualified professional investors in Hong Kong. This collaboration marks a significant step in the development of institutional-grade crypto exposure products in the region. The partnership enables AMINA (Hong Kong) Limited, the bank’s local subsidiary, to offer Principal Fund I, a crypto equity exposure product that blends traditional and digital asset investment strategies. The fund provides access to a diversified portfolio of listed equities in the crypto sector, including companies such as Coinbase, Circle, and MicroStrategy, as well as local Hong Kong-listed firms. Since its launch in August 2024, the fund has outperformed its benchmark index by over 20% [1].

The fund is managed by LSQ Capital Limited, a subsidiary of Metalpha licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) under Type 9. The strategy of Principal Fund I is to deliver better risk-adjusted returns compared to Bitcoin by leveraging derivatives to enhance performance and manage volatility. This product is available to qualified investors with a minimum investment of $1 million, targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, institutional clients, and family offices [1].

The partnership aligns with the broader regulatory and market developments in Hong Kong, where the government has been actively shaping a framework to support the growth of digital assets. Initiatives such as the Digital Asset Policy 2.0 and the introduction of a stablecoin licensing regime, effective from August 2024, are creating a more structured environment for institutional players. AMINA Bank, which rebranded from SEBA Bank in 2023, has been positioning itself as a leader in the crypto banking space, with a presence in Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. Its collaboration with Metalpha is viewed as a strategic move to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, offering sophisticated investment solutions to a growing segment of professional investors [2].

Institutional demand for crypto exposure has surged globally, particularly in the United States, where Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have amassed over $150 billion in assets under management since early 2024. This trend underscores a broader shift toward the institutionalization of crypto markets, with regulated and high-performance products becoming increasingly attractive to investors seeking diversification and returns. In Hong Kong, the market is still in its early stages of development, with only four cryptocurrencies currently available for trading on licensed platforms. However, the recent regulatory initiatives and the increasing inflows into digital asset funds suggest a growing appetite for crypto-related investments among institutional players [3].

The collaboration between AMINA and Metalpha is expected to serve as a model for future partnerships that aim to expand the range of digital asset products in Hong Kong. Michael Benz, head of Asia-Pacific at AMINA Bank, emphasized that the partnership is not limited to the launch of Principal Fund I but is part of a broader initiative to develop a suite of digital asset solutions tailored to the needs of the Hong Kong market. Monique Chan, CEO of LSQ Capital, noted that the alliance combines AMINA’s regulated infrastructure with Metalpha’s proprietary investment strategies, creating a compelling offering for sophisticated investors in the region [2].

As Hong Kong continues to refine its regulatory framework for digital assets, the collaboration between Swiss and Asian financial institutions is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of the crypto industry in the region. With the global crypto market evolving rapidly and institutional adoption on the rise, the partnership between AMINA and Metalpha represents a significant milestone in the integration of digital assets into traditional investment portfolios.

Source:

[1] title1 (https://www.theasianbanker.com/press-releases/amina-bank-partners-with-metalpha-to-advance-digital-asset-wealth-management-in-hong-kong)

[2] title2 (https://www.familywealthreport.com/article.php/AMINA-Bank-Partners-With-Hong-Kong_dash_Based-Digital-Assets-Wealth-Firm--)

[3] title3 (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/swiss-crypto-banks-bold-move-what-it-means-for-hong-kong-investors/)