Hong Kong Aims to Become a Global Cryptocurrency Hub with Zero-Fee Crypto Trading Launch

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Hong Kong is accelerating its ambition to become a leading global center for digital assets, marked by a groundbreaking move from Futu Securities—the city’s largest online brokerage. On July 1, following approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on July 8, Futu officially launched Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading for its 22 million users. This milestone not only underscores Hong Kong’s evolving financial landscape but also signals deeper integration between traditional finance and digital assets.

👉 Discover how zero-fee crypto trading is reshaping investor access in Asia.

Futu Leads the Charge in Mainstream Crypto Adoption

Futu Securities has made history by becoming the first licensed brokerage in Hong Kong to offer direct retail access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. The service went live on July 23, immediately drawing strong market interest. Notably, Bitcoin’s open interest surged to a record $39.4 billion on July 29, reflecting growing institutional and retail confidence in cryptocurrency markets.

This strategic expansion aligns with Hong Kong’s broader vision of positioning itself as a premier fintech and digital asset hub in Asia. By integrating crypto into mainstream investment platforms, Futu bridges the gap between conventional financial services and emerging blockchain-based assets.

The launch comes amid increasing regulatory clarity in Hong Kong, which has implemented a mandatory licensing regime for crypto exchanges over the past two years. These measures aim to ensure investor protection while fostering innovation in the digital asset space.

Zero Fees and Incentives Drive User Engagement

To attract new investors and boost platform adoption, Futu has rolled out an aggressive incentive program. Users who deposit HK$10,000 and maintain the balance for 60 days will receive rewards worth HK$600—redeemable in Bitcoin, vouchers, or shares of major companies like Alibaba and NVIDIA.

Even more compelling is Futu’s decision to eliminate trading commissions on Bitcoin transactions. This zero-fee model lowers the barrier to entry for retail investors and enhances liquidity, making crypto trading more accessible than ever before.

Such initiatives are not just about customer acquisition—they reflect a long-term strategy to embed digital assets into everyday investing behavior. With competitive pricing and attractive rewards, Futu is setting a new benchmark for how traditional brokers can engage with the crypto economy.

👉 See how top platforms are using incentives to drive crypto adoption worldwide.

Regulatory Compliance Through Strategic Partnerships

While Futu operates under a “deemed licensed” status as one of 11 temporary virtual asset exchanges awaiting full SFC approval, it has taken proactive steps to ensure compliance. The brokerage has partnered with HashKey Exchange—one of Hong Kong’s two fully licensed crypto platforms—to facilitate secure and regulated trading.

This collaboration allows Futu to leverage HashKey’s robust infrastructure and regulatory framework while focusing on user experience and product innovation. It also demonstrates how traditional financial institutions can work within Hong Kong’s evolving regulatory environment to deliver compliant crypto services at scale.

Futu continues to pursue full licensing for its PantherTrade platform, signaling its commitment to long-term operations in the digital asset space under formal oversight.

Hong Kong’s Broader Vision for Digital Finance

Futu’s entry into crypto trading is more than a corporate initiative—it’s part of Hong Kong’s national strategy to lead in digital finance. Over the past two years, the city has introduced several forward-looking policies:

These efforts have created a fertile ground for fintech growth, attracting startups, institutional investors, and global exchanges alike. With a stable legal framework and strong government backing, Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as a trusted gateway for crypto businesses in Asia.

As more traditional financial players follow Futu’s lead, the convergence of stockbroking and cryptocurrency services could redefine how investors manage their portfolios—blending equities, ETFs, and digital assets under one roof.

👉 Explore how regulatory clarity is fueling Hong Kong's rise as a crypto hub.

FAQs: Understanding Hong Kong’s Crypto Evolution

Q: Is cryptocurrency trading legal in Hong Kong?
A: Yes. Since 2023, only SFC-licensed platforms can offer retail crypto trading. This ensures investor protection while allowing regulated access to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Q: Why did Futu choose Bitcoin and Ethereum first?
A: BTC and ETH are the most established and widely adopted cryptocurrencies globally. Their high liquidity, market capitalization, and regulatory recognition make them ideal entry points for mainstream investors.

Q: How does zero-fee trading affect market quality?
A: Commission-free trading increases participation and improves market depth. While brokers may earn revenue through spreads or other services, lower costs generally benefit retail investors and promote wider adoption.

Q: Can mainland Chinese investors use Futu’s crypto services?
A: No. Due to China’s strict capital controls and crypto regulations, these services are currently available only to eligible Hong Kong residents and international users outside restricted jurisdictions.

Q: What role does HashKey play in Futu’s crypto offering?
A: HashKey provides the underlying custodial and execution infrastructure, ensuring all trades comply with SFC requirements. This partnership enables Futu to offer secure, auditable, and regulated crypto transactions.

Q: Will more cryptocurrencies be added in the future?
A: While no official roadmap has been released, industry trends suggest that major altcoins like Solana or Cardano could be introduced if demand grows and regulatory conditions allow.

Core Keywords:

By combining regulatory compliance, innovative incentives, and strategic partnerships, Hong Kong is laying the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive digital asset ecosystem—one where traditional finance and blockchain technology coexist seamlessly.