Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong division is preparing to launch its virtual asset ETF trading platform next month, marking a major milestone in the city’s growing embrace of digital finance. The announcement follows rising demand from high-net-worth clients seeking exposure to regulated crypto products.
Ho Man-chun, head of wealth solutions at Standard Chartered Hong Kong, the new service responds to increasing client appetite for diversified access to digital assets.
Wealthy clients show strong appetite for crypto exposure
The decision comes after the release of the Hong Kong High-End Customer Digital Assets Study 2025, conducted under the HKMA’s “Digital Hong Kong Dollar+” initiative. The survey found that 75% of high-net-worth clients expressed interest in digital assets, while nearly 80% plan to invest within the next year.
Over 30% of respondents already own crypto assets, typically allocating 20% or less of their portfolios. Most investors use two to three trading platforms, reflecting a strong preference for diversification.
However, the study also highlighted key barriers including price volatility, platform security, and limited education around digital assets that continue to deter wider adoption.
Hong Kong approves first Solana spot ETF
In a parallel development, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved Asia’s first Solana spot ETF, issued by China Asset Management Company (ChinaAMC). The Hua Xia Solana ETF, set to list on October 27, will allow investors to participate in Solana’s market growth with a minimum entry of around US$100 per unit.
This marks Hong Kong’s third spot crypto ETF, following Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF launches in April 2024. The move further establishes Hong Kong as a regional hub for digital asset innovation, despite its ETF market still lagging behind other APAC regions expanding just 5% compared to the region’s 22% 10-year CAGR.
A catalyst for broader adoption
As traditional finance and digital assets continue to converge, Standard Chartered’s ETF offering could play a key role in bridging institutional investors with the emerging crypto market. The bank’s latest initiative demonstrates growing confidence in Hong Kong’s regulatory clarity and the city’s ambition to become Asia’s leading digital asset hub.