Swiss Crypto Bank AMINA Powers Hong Kong's Global Crypto Ambitions with Landmark License

AMINA Bank AG, a Swiss crypto-focused financial institution, has become the first international banking group to secure a Type 1 license uplift from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), enabling it to offer institutional-grade crypto trading and custody services in the region. The approval, announced on November 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone for both the bank and Hong Kong's evolving digital asset market, which has seen a 233% surge in trading volumes during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

The license allows AMINA's Hong Kong subsidiary to provide 24/7 spot trading and custody services for 13 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDC, Tether (USDT), and major decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens. This offering addresses a critical gap in the local institutional market, where access to bank-grade crypto services has been limited due to Hong Kong's stringent regulatory standards. Michael Benz, head of AMINA for Hong Kong and APAC, emphasized that the license will enable the bank to expand into private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized real-world assets, aligning with growing institutional demand for diversified crypto offerings.

Hong Kong's regulatory framework has been a focal point for global crypto firms seeking a compliant entry into Asia's largest financial hub. The city introduced stablecoin regulations in August 2025 and approved its first Solana exchange-traded fund in October, signaling a balanced approach to fostering innovation while safeguarding investors. Despite competition from local players like Tiger Brokers and HashKey, AMINA's international regulatory pedigree-including licenses in Switzerland, Austria, and Abu Dhabi-positions it as a unique player in the market. The bank's Swiss FINMA-regulated infrastructure ensures compliance with SFC standards, including SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2-certified custody systems.

The approval underscores Hong Kong's broader strategy to solidify its status as a global crypto hub. SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung recently announced plans to allow licensed exchanges to tap into global liquidity pools, a move expected to enhance market depth and competitiveness. AMINA's entry into the market aligns with these ambitions, as the bank aims to cater to professional investors, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals seeking regulated access to digital assets.

As part of its global expansion, AMINA secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in October 2025 through its Austrian subsidiary, becoming the first crypto bank authorized under the EU's new regulatory framework. This multi-jurisdictional approach reinforces the bank's ability to serve clients across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East while maintaining compliance with diverse regulatory environments.

With Hong Kong's crypto trading volumes surging and institutional adoption accelerating, AMINA's license uplift represents a pivotal step in the maturation of the region's digital asset ecosystem. The bank's ability to integrate Swiss banking rigor with local expertise could set a precedent for other international institutions eyeing entry into Hong Kong's regulated crypto market.