The financial landscape in Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative shift as traditional brokerage services embrace digital assets. In a landmark development, Futu Securities—one of Hong Kong’s largest retail brokers—officially launched cryptocurrency trading on August 1, following regulatory approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on July 8. This move marks a pivotal step in integrating crypto into mainstream finance, offering investors a secure, compliant, and user-friendly gateway to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
With this new service, Hong Kong investors can now access crypto markets directly through the popular Futu NiuNiu app—a platform already trusted by millions for stock trading. The integration of digital assets not only expands investment options but also reflects Hong Kong’s growing ambition to become a regional hub for virtual asset innovation.
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How to Start Trading Crypto on Futu NiuNiu
Step 1: Open a Cryptocurrency Account
Existing securities account holders can seamlessly enable crypto trading with just a few taps:
- Open the Futu NiuNiu app and search for a supported cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC).
- Navigate to its detailed quote page and tap the "Trade" button at the bottom.
- Select "Cryptocurrency" when prompted to open trading permissions.
- Complete the required assessments: risk tolerance evaluation, virtual asset knowledge quiz, and investment limit setting.
- Review and acknowledge all risk disclosures.
This structured onboarding process ensures users are well-informed about the volatility and risks associated with digital assets—aligning with SFC's investor protection standards.
Step 2: Transfer Funds
To begin trading, users must transfer fiat funds from their securities account to their newly activated crypto wallet within the app:
- Tap "Account" in the app menu.
- Choose "Transfer", then select "Fund Allocation."
- Pick the currency (USD or HKD) and designate the destination as your crypto account.
This internal transfer system eliminates the need for third-party exchanges or stablecoin conversions, streamlining the funding process while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Step 3: Place Your First Trade
Once funds are allocated, placing trades is intuitive:
- Tap the search icon in the top-right corner.
- Enter the trading pair code (e.g., BTCUSD).
- Select the desired market pair from the results.
- Tap "Trade" at the lower-left of the quote screen to open the order form.
Users can place market or limit orders with real-time pricing, ensuring transparency and execution efficiency.
Key Advantages of Crypto Trading via Futu NiuNiu
Zero Commission Fees
One of the most compelling features is zero-fee trading for both BTC and ETH. Unlike many centralized exchanges that charge percentage-based fees, Futu imposes no commissions regardless of trade size or frequency. This cost-effective model lowers entry barriers and benefits both casual traders and active investors.
Regulated and Secure Environment
As a licensed broker under Hong Kong’s SFC, Futu operates under strict custodial and operational guidelines. User assets are safeguarded through institutional-grade security protocols, including cold storage solutions and multi-signature wallets. This regulatory oversight significantly reduces counterparty risk—a major concern in decentralized platforms.
Direct HKD and USD Trading Pairs
Futu supports direct trading using Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and US dollars (USD), bypassing the need to convert into stablecoins like USDT. This feature avoids slippage from exchange rate spreads and simplifies tax reporting for local investors.
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Available Assets and Investment Options
Currently, Futu offers spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) only. While seasoned crypto traders may find the selection limited compared to global exchanges, this focused approach aligns with regulatory prudence.
Beyond direct crypto trading, Futu NiuNiu provides access to a broader suite of blockchain-related investment products:
- Hong Kong and U.S. crypto spot ETFs
- Crypto futures ETFs listed in HK/US markets
- Blockchain-themed stocks (e.g., mining companies, infrastructure firms)
- Cryptocurrency futures contracts
These offerings allow diversified exposure to the digital asset ecosystem without holding actual tokens—ideal for risk-averse or institutionally oriented investors.
The Bigger Picture: Hong Kong’s Crypto Ambition
Futu’s entry into crypto trading is more than a product launch—it’s a signal of Hong Kong’s strategic pivot toward becoming a regional Web3 and digital asset hub. Over the past few years, the government has introduced progressive policies, including:
- Licensing framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs)
- Approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
- Tax incentives for Web3 startups
- Support for tokenized assets and central bank digital currency (CBDC) trials
Other local brokers, such as Victory Securities with its VictoryX app, have also launched integrated stock-and-crypto trading platforms, indicating a competitive and rapidly evolving market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who can use Futu’s crypto trading service?
A: The service is available to both professional and retail investors in Hong Kong who meet the platform’s risk assessment criteria and complete the required onboarding steps.
Q: Are there any hidden fees?
A: No. All spot trades for BTC and ETH are commission-free. However, standard network or withdrawal fees may apply if transferring assets off-platform in the future (currently not supported).
Q: Can I withdraw my crypto to an external wallet?
A: Not at this time. Crypto holdings remain custodied within Futu’s regulated environment, meaning users cannot transfer tokens to personal wallets—a trade-off for enhanced security and compliance.
Q: Is leverage or margin trading available?
A: As of now, only spot trading is supported. Margin, futures, or leveraged products are not offered through the crypto module.
Q: What happens if the market crashes?
A: While Futu provides robust infrastructure, users bear full responsibility for market risk. It’s recommended to diversify holdings and use risk management tools like stop-loss orders where available.
Q: Will more cryptocurrencies be added?
A: Futu has not announced specific plans, but expansion beyond BTC and ETH is likely as regulatory clarity improves and demand grows.
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Final Thoughts
Futu Securities’ launch of zero-fee Bitcoin and Ethereum trading represents a major milestone in bridging traditional finance with the digital economy. By combining regulatory compliance, user-friendly design, and direct fiat integration, it sets a new benchmark for secure crypto access in Asia.
While current limitations—such as restricted coin selection and no self-custody—may deter advanced users, the platform serves as an ideal entry point for mainstream investors seeking a trustworthy way to participate in the crypto revolution.
As Hong Kong continues to refine its regulatory framework and expand financial innovation, we can expect more brokers to follow suit, further enriching the ecosystem with broader product offerings and deeper market liquidity.
For now, Futu NiuNiu stands at the forefront of this transformation—ushering in a new era where stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies coexist seamlessly under one roof.
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