Hong Kong Brokers Expand Bitcoin and Virtual Asset Trading with $100 Minimum Entry

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The financial landscape in Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative shift as more traditional brokers begin integrating virtual asset trading into their platforms. With the city’s recent approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in April 2025, making it one of Asia’s first adopters, investor interest in digital assets has surged. In response, several licensed Hong Kong brokers are now offering retail investors direct access to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with entry thresholds as low as $100.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s journey toward becoming a recognized Web3 and fintech hub. As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure strengthens, virtual assets are no longer niche investments—they’re becoming part of mainstream financial portfolios.

👉 Discover how easy it is to start investing in digital assets today.

Lowering Barriers: How Investors Can Access Crypto Through Brokers

Gone are the days when trading Bitcoin required navigating complex, unregulated exchanges. Now, investors can seamlessly access virtual assets through established brokerage platforms—many of which already manage their stock portfolios.

To begin trading crypto via a Hong Kong broker, users must follow a structured onboarding process designed to ensure compliance and investor protection:

  1. Open a securities account – either personal or corporate.

  2. Complete additional documentation, including:

    • Virtual Asset Trading Addendum Agreement
    • Risk Disclosure Statement for Virtual Assets
    • Risk Tolerance Questionnaire
    • Knowledge and Experience Assessment for Virtual Assets

Once approved, investors gain access to a variety of virtual asset products, including:

The minimal entry point—just $100 per trade—makes it accessible even for beginner investors looking to diversify without significant upfront capital. Additionally, some brokers are incentivizing early adoption by offering three months of zero-commission trading on virtual asset transactions.

Growing Demand from Two Key Investor Groups

Brokerage firms have identified two primary customer segments driving demand for integrated crypto services:

  1. Crypto-native investors who’ve realized profits from digital assets and now seek diversified investment options like equities or fixed-income instruments within a regulated environment.
  2. Traditional stock investors who, amid sluggish performance in the Hong Kong stock market, are exploring alternative asset classes such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for higher growth potential.

This convergence of investor bases underscores the increasing legitimacy of virtual assets in traditional finance.

Major Brokers Leading the Charge

Several prominent Hong Kong-based brokers have already launched or expanded their crypto offerings, signaling strong institutional confidence in the sector.

Tiger Brokers (Hong Kong)

On May 6, 2025, Tiger Brokers officially rolled out its virtual asset trading service, supporting 18 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. It has become one of the first online brokerages in Hong Kong to offer a unified platform for both securities and digital assets.

Currently, this service is available exclusively to professional investors. Eligible users can access crypto trading directly through the flagship Tiger Trade app, enabling them to manage global assets—including stocks, options, futures, U.S. Treasuries, and ETFs—alongside digital currencies—all from a single interface.

👉 See how unified trading platforms are reshaping investor experiences.

Victory Securities

Victory Securities made headlines in November 2024 by becoming the first licensed firm in Hong Kong approved by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to offer virtual asset trading and advisory services to retail clients.

By June 12, 2025, the company enhanced its offering by enabling deposit and withdrawal functionality for cryptocurrencies on its mobile app, significantly improving user experience and control over digital holdings.

Looking ahead, Victory Securities plans to launch its “Buy Stocks, Buy Crypto – Just as Easy” initiative, aiming to deliver a fully integrated trading experience where users can switch between traditional and digital assets effortlessly via its proprietary platform. The company also connects with regulated gateways like HashKey and OSL to ensure secure transactions.

Interactive Brokers (Hong Kong)

Also receiving SFC approval on November 24, 2024, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Hong Kong gained permission to offer retail clients the ability to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through its platform—an important step toward broader digital asset integration across its global network.

Regulatory Landscape: A Foundation for Trust

The expansion of crypto services by traditional brokers is built upon a robust regulatory framework. As of June 1, 2025, the transitional period for virtual asset trading platforms to apply for full licensing under Hong Kong’s new regime officially ended.

At present:

While independent crypto exchanges face rigorous licensing requirements—often costing tens of millions of HKD—brokerages that meet regulatory standards can leverage their existing infrastructure to offer crypto services under stricter but well-defined oversight.

This hybrid model allows investors to benefit from the innovation of blockchain technology while maintaining the security and accountability expected from traditional financial institutions.

Revenue Potential: Crypto as a Core Business Line

For forward-thinking brokers, virtual assets aren’t just an add-on—they’re becoming a strategic revenue driver.

One leading Hong Kong brokerage reported that virtual asset-related income now accounts for approximately 25% of total revenue, with projections suggesting it could rise to one-third in the near future. Early movers in this space have already recouped initial investments and are now operating at a profit—a strong indicator of long-term viability.

As adoption grows and user interfaces improve, analysts expect more brokers to follow suit, integrating deeper crypto functionalities such as staking-linked ETFs and yield-generating products.

👉 Learn how digital assets are creating new income opportunities for investors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can retail investors in Hong Kong trade Bitcoin through traditional brokers?
A: Yes. Licensed brokers like Victory Securities and Interactive Brokers are authorized to offer retail clients access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading under SFC regulations.

Q: What is the minimum amount needed to start trading crypto via Hong Kong brokers?
A: The minimum investment starts at $100, making it accessible for small-scale investors.

Q: Are there any fees associated with virtual asset trading on these platforms?
A: Some brokers offer promotional periods with zero commissions for the first three months. Standard fees vary by provider and asset type.

Q: Is my cryptocurrency safe when traded through a regulated broker?
A: Yes. These platforms operate under strict SFC guidelines, often partnering with insured custodians like OSL and HashKey to protect client assets.

Q: Can I transfer my crypto in and out of my broker’s account?
A: Platforms like Victory Securities now support crypto deposits and withdrawals, giving users greater control over their holdings.

Q: Will more cryptocurrencies be added beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum?
A: Yes. Brokers like Tiger Brokers already support 18 digital assets, with ongoing evaluations for adding more compliant tokens.

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