Hong Kong regulators are reportedly on the brink of approving the first Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Asia, with an announcement expected by April 15. This pioneering move could position Hong Kong as the inaugural Asian market with operational Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
Sources close to Bloomberg suggest that an international branch of China’s Harvest Fund Management Co., along with a collaborative effort between Bosera Asset Management (International) Co. and HashKey Capital, are likely candidates for the initial approvals. These approvals are pending final reviews and are contingent upon the completion of listing arrangements with Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.
This development follows the recent authorization by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Harvest and China Asset Management to manage funds associated with virtual assets. The introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. earlier this year played a significant role in revitalizing the crypto markets, hinting at the potential impact of similar offerings in Hong Kong.
As global anticipation builds, the crypto community watches closely, considering the substantial influence these ETFs could wield in the Bitcoin and Ethereum markets. Additionally, the London Stock Exchange is considering launching Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded notes (ETNs) by May, further simplifying access for institutional investors to cryptocurrencies without the direct complexities of purchasing, storing, and securing the assets.
This step by Hong Kong could catalyze further growth and investment within the cryptocurrency markets, reflecting the region’s strategic position as a vital financial hub in Asia.