Swiss Bank AMINA Joins Hong Kong’s Crypto Revolution
The world of cryptocurrency is rapidly evolving, and Hong Kong has become a global hub for digital asset innovation. Leading this transformation is AMINA Bank, a Swiss-based institution, which has secured a Type 1 license upgrade from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) as of November 18, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this monumental shift and what it means for the crypto market.
What Does AMINA’s Type 1 License Mean?
AMINA Bank’s new license allows it to offer comprehensive crypto spot trading and custody services to professional investors in Hong Kong. The bank’s subsidiary—AMINA (Hong Kong) Limited—achieved this milestone, marking a pivotal moment for global cryptocurrency regulation and institutional involvement in the region.
The license upgrade positions AMINA as the first international banking group to bridge the institutional crypto gap in Hong Kong. With services spanning 24/7 trading, SOC 2-certified custody, and institutional-grade executions, AMINA delivers a robust infrastructure for professional investors looking to capitalize on the growing digital asset market.
A Booming Crypto Hub: Why Hong Kong?
Over the past year, Hong Kong has experienced a 233% surge in its digital asset market. The region’s regulatory advancements have made it a magnet for institutional investors. In 2025 alone, Hong Kong’s SFC issued nine new virtual asset trading platform licenses. Furthermore, the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau implemented a dedicated licensing framework for virtual asset custodians, ensuring a secure and compliant environment for crypto trading.
Hong Kong has also introduced stringent stablecoin reserve management regulations, beginning August 1, 2025. Additionally, the SFC’s ‘A-S-P-I-Re’ framework underscores priorities like accessibility, security, and investor protection, ensuring sustainable growth for the digital asset ecosystem.
AMINA: Pioneering Institutional Crypto Banking
Since its inception in Switzerland in 2018, AMINA has been making waves in the financial sector. Its latest achievement in Hong Kong reflects its commitment to expanding cross-border crypto banking services under robust regulatory standards.
In response to strong market demand, AMINA plans to go beyond spot trading and custody services. The bank aims to introduce private fund management, structured products, derivatives, and tokenized assets by 2026. These innovations align with Hong Kong’s roadmap for stablecoin issuers and custodians, further solidifying the region’s position as a global crypto hub.
Institutions Leading the Way
The global digital asset custody sector has grown by over 50% in the past year, reaching a market size of $683 billion by October 2025. Major players, such as HSBC, are already offering blockchain-based settlement services, showcasing institutional confidence in the sector’s future.
Hong Kong’s strategy to connect licensed trading platforms to global liquidity pools marks a significant departure from its previously insular model. Now, these platforms can mix domestic and international capital, amplifying trading volumes and market depth while adhering to strict compliance standards like KYC and AML regulations.
Bringing Institutional-Grade Services To Life
For individuals and organizations eager to manage their crypto portfolios with security and confidence, products like the Ledger Nano X offer ultimate hardware wallet security for crypto assets. With institutions like AMINA raising the bar in regulated crypto banking, now is the time to invest in reliable tools to complement these services.
Final Thoughts
AMINA Bank’s expansion into Hong Kong marks a watershed moment in the global digital asset market. With robust services, forward-thinking innovation, and regulatory compliance, both investors and institutions are positioned to benefit from this new era of crypto banking. As Hong Kong continues to attract global players, the city’s ambition to lead the digital asset revolution is becoming a reality.
