In addition to crypto trading, Futu is also licensed to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to certified institutions.
Futu Securities, one of China’s leading online brokerage firms, has officially rolled out Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading in Hong Kong through its local subsidiary.
Starting today, August 1, crypto traders in the region will be able to buy and sell the two major digital assets using either the US dollar or the local currency, the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). For now, the company will only allow the trading of BTC and Ether, although it plans to add support for other cryptocurrencies in the future.
Expanding Beyond Mainland China
The online brokerage firm initially expressed its interest in offering crypto trading services to customers outside mainland China in May 2021. At that time, Futu announced it was in the process of applying for licenses to expand its services to Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States, where digital assets are accepted for investment opportunities—unlike China, which has imposed a blanket ban on the emerging market.
According to a report published by South China Morning Post, the company stated that it has successfully obtained an operational license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). This license enables Futu to enter the Hong Kong market.
The license makes the company the first online securities brokerage firm to directly offer crypto trading services through its dedicated platform, the Futu Niu Niu app. The app was developed in compliance with local regulations in Hong Kong.
The company noted that the service is available for both institutional investors and retail traders, who can now purchase as little as $10 worth of BTC and Ether, or HKD 80.
Additional Offerings and Incentives
In addition to crypto trading, Futu is also licensed to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to certified institutions. These institutions can trade both Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as their futures ETFs and related securities, all in one place with zero commission.
To attract users in Hong Kong’s competitive market, Futu has launched an incentive program for early adopters. The online brokerage firm is rewarding early participants with tech stocks from popular companies such as Alibaba Group Holding and Nvidia.
Additionally, Futu has added Bitcoin to the reward basket, making the offer even more enticing for traders. Qualified users can claim up to HKD 800 worth of BTC.
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