Catenaa, Friday, February 28, 2025 – Hong Kong regulators are in active discussions with major crypto firms to expand digital asset offerings, including crypto ETF staking, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the region’s position as a global crypto hub.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) unveiled a 12-point roadmap on Wednesday aimed at accelerating cryptocurrency development. The initiatives include exploring staking, margin trading, derivatives, lending, and tokenized money market funds.
HashKey, one of Hong Kong’s licensed crypto exchanges, confirmed it is working closely with the SFC on introducing ETF staking and other yield-generating products.
“We are actively discussing ETF staking, tokenized money market funds, and launching an ‘Earn’ feature,” said Haiyang Ru, HashKey’s chief risk officer.
Other major players, including OSL and Hex Trust, have also expressed strong interest in staking services and broader institutional offerings. Alessio Quaglini, CEO of Hex Trust, emphasized that institutional staking would be a key growth area in 2025.
Hong Kong’s push comes amid rising global competition, particularly with the pro-crypto stance of the newly inaugurated Trump administration in the U.S. The SFC’s roadmap also includes establishing regulatory frameworks for over-the-counter crypto trading and custodial services to enhance transparency and investor protection.
Industry leaders expect at least three major initiatives from the roadmap to materialize this year. While initially targeting institutional investors, some of these products could later expand to the retail market, pending regulatory approval.
