The financial landscape of Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative shift — one driven not by traditional equities or bonds, but by digital assets. As regulatory clarity emerges and government support solidifies, over 60 Hong Kong-based brokerage firms are now actively entering the cryptocurrency space. From retail giants like Futu and Tiger Brokers to legacy institutions such as Victory Securities and Interactive Brokers, the race to become the go-to crypto gateway for millions of stock investors has officially begun.
This movement isn’t just about diversifying services — it’s about capturing a new generation of investors and positioning Hong Kong as Asia’s next major crypto hub.
The Rise of Integrated Trading Platforms
One of the most significant developments in 2025 is the integration of cryptocurrency trading into mainstream stock brokerage apps. At Victory Securities’ headquarters in Sheung Wan, users can already buy Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through the app — a seamless experience that mirrors traditional stock trading.
This functionality is powered by VDX (Victory Fintech Company Limited), a subsidiary actively pursuing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license under Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Across the hall from VDX’s office sits HKBGE, another licensed crypto exchange — symbolic of how closely traditional finance and digital assets now coexist.
👉 Discover how top brokers are integrating crypto into their platforms today.
Firms like Futu, Tiger Brokers, Interactive Brokers, Nan Hua Securities, Zhitong International, and Fuqiang Securities are leading this charge. Their goal? To onboard Hong Kong’s 4.65 million active stock traders into the world of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other compliant digital assets via familiar interfaces.
According to翁晓奇 (Ong Xiaoqi), COO of HashKey Group — one of only two fully licensed virtual asset exchanges in Hong Kong — “This could bring tens of millions of users from existing stock platforms into the crypto ecosystem.” HashKey is currently negotiating with around five local brokers to create direct access points, while OSL has already partnered with nearly an equal number.
Diverse Strategies, Shared Ambition
While all these brokers share a vision of crypto adoption, their strategies vary widely — reflecting different origins, resources, and market approaches.
Futu: The Retail Powerhouse
Futu, once China’s largest internet broker, has shifted focus to overseas markets after domestic restrictions. With over 20 million global users and more than 40% of Hong Kong’s adult population using its platform, Futu is uniquely positioned to dominate.
Although officially stating only that they “remain attentive to industry developments,” insiders confirm that Futu’s crypto trading system is complete and awaiting SFC approval. The company has reportedly established PantherTrade, a Hong Kong-based crypto exchange registered in March 2025, with experienced executive Chen Zhihu appointed as director in September.
Even before formal launch, Futu’s moomoo app has gained traction in Singapore as one of the top crypto trading platforms — suggesting strong cross-border potential.
Tiger Brokers: Chasing Innovation
Never one to fall behind, Tiger Brokers has also signaled intent to enter the Hong Kong crypto market. In April 2025, its institutional division confirmed interest in applying for a VASP license. Recent reports from Nikkei Asia indicate both Tiger and Futu subsidiaries are advancing applications.
Tiger maintains close ties with Yax, a crypto platform founded by a former employee and launched in early 2023. This internal incubation model allows Tiger to test products discreetly while preparing for full regulatory compliance.
Interactive Brokers: The Global Pioneer
As a U.S.-based firm with deep roots in Hong Kong, Interactive Brokers exemplifies early-mover advantage. After launching crypto services in the U.S. in 2021, it became one of the first international brokers to offer crypto trading in Hong Kong by early 2023.
Powered by OSL’s infrastructure, Interactive Brokers charges competitive fees (0.20%–0.30% per trade) with a minimum fee of $2.25 USD. Crucially, users can manage both traditional and digital assets on a single platform — trading stocks, options, ETFs, and crypto without switching apps.
This unified experience may soon become standard across Hong Kong’s brokerage sector.
Victory Securities: A Local Champion
Unlike foreign or mainland-linked firms, Victory Securities is a homegrown Hong Kong player — publicly traded and fully licensed. Its slogan, “Buying stocks or crypto — equally simple,” reflects its mission: simplify digital asset access for local investors.
Through VDX, Victory enables direct crypto purchases within its main app. However, unlike others targeting retail users, VDX focuses exclusively on B2B clients, offering institutional-grade custody and settlement solutions.
A Catalyst for Financial Revitalization
Hong Kong’s stock market has faced prolonged stagnation — with over 1,000 listed stocks recording zero daily trades. The decline in liquidity and investor engagement has prompted regulators to seek bold solutions.
Enter cryptocurrency.
Since the government’s pro-crypto policy announcement on October 31, 2024, the entire financial ecosystem has been re-energized:
- Banks like DBS, Standard Chartered, and ZA Bank now support fiat-to-crypto on-ramps for licensed exchanges.
- Auditors such as KPMG (external audit for HashKey), PwC (internal audit), and EY (code audit) have expanded their blockchain divisions.
- OKX HK has engaged Deloitte for auditing — completing the Big Four's involvement in Hong Kong’s crypto compliance framework.
- Insurers including Aon and OneDegree now offer cold and hot wallet insurance — a critical service for exchange security.
- Asset managers like China Pacific Insurance’s Hong Kong arm now distribute and advise on funds with over 10% exposure to virtual assets.
👉 See how financial institutions are adapting to the new crypto economy.
This ripple effect extends beyond finance. Universities now offer crypto-focused courses in economics and fintech programs. Talent with hybrid skills — finance plus coding — are in high demand, with some brokerages offering over HK$2 million annually for compliance officers (ROs) experienced in virtual assets. Top executives combining technical leadership and crypto expertise have seen offers approach HK$10 million.
Learning from America’s Playbook
Hong Kong isn’t inventing this model from scratch — it’s adapting proven frameworks from the U.S., typically with a 1–3 year lag.
Robinhood’s journey offers valuable lessons:
- In Q4 2020: 1.7 million crypto users
- By Q1 2021: Over 9.5 million
- By Q2 2023: Crypto revenue ($31M) surpassed equities ($25M)
By launching non-custodial wallets and NFT trading, Robinhood transformed from a stock app into a Web3 gateway. Many Hong Kong brokers aim to replicate this evolution — turning their platforms into full-service digital asset ecosystems.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I currently buy crypto through my Hong Kong stock app?
A: Yes — platforms like Victory Securities and Interactive Brokers already allow direct crypto purchases integrated within their trading apps.
Q: Are these crypto services regulated?
A: Yes — all compliant services connect to SFC-licensed exchanges like HashKey and OSL, ensuring legal oversight and investor protection.
Q: What are the typical trading fees?
A: Fees range from 0.20% to 0.30%, depending on volume. Minimum fees are usually around $2.25 USD per order.
Q: Is there insurance for crypto holdings?
A: Yes — major insurers like Aon and OneDegree provide cold/hot wallet coverage for licensed exchanges.
Q: Will more brokers add crypto soon?
A: Almost certainly. With Futu, Tiger, and others in the licensing pipeline, widespread integration is expected by late 2025.
Q: How does this benefit average investors?
A: It lowers entry barriers — allowing familiar platforms to serve as bridges into digital assets without needing separate wallets or exchanges.
👉 Start exploring regulated crypto trading options now.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong’s push into cryptocurrency is more than a trend — it’s a strategic repositioning of its financial identity. By aligning traditional brokerage infrastructure with next-generation digital assets, the city aims to reclaim its status as Asia’s premier financial center.
The convergence of stock and crypto trading isn’t just convenient — it’s inevitable. And for millions of Hong Kong investors, the future of finance is already here: one app, one portfolio, endless possibilities.
Core Keywords: Hong Kong brokers, crypto trading, licensed cryptocurrency exchange, SFC regulation, integrated trading platform, Bitcoin ETF, virtual asset service provider, digital asset investment