In the race to solidify their positions as crypto hubs, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UAE are aiming for the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs. Although these regions are yet to witness the approval of these financial instruments, recent green lights for spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. have sparked aspirations for similar strides.
Today, however, Tencent News reported that Harvest applied to the Securities and Futures Commission for a spot Bitcoin ETF to launch the city’s first following the Lunar New Year on Feb. 10.
Exciting right? Read on for everything you ought to know.
Harvest Hong Kong Creates a Buzz
Hong Kong is witnessing a major development as Harvest Hong Kong, a major Chinese asset manager, applied for a spot in the Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. This marks the first instance of a Hong Kong institution seeking approval for a Bitcoin spot ETF, reflecting the region’s growing interest in digital assets.
With aspirations to become a global crypto hub, Hong Kong is witnessing a surge in interest from approximately 10 fund companies, including Venture Smart Financial Holdings Ltd. According to Bloomberg, VSFG is targeting the launch of its spot Bitcoin ETF in the first quarter of this year, indicating a race among institutions to secure a foothold in the market.
Also Read: Hong Kong’s VSFG Plans to Launch First Ever Spot Bitcoin ETF Fund
Exploring Stablecoin Trials
Parallel to the ETF mania, many companies, including Harvest Global Investments, RD Technologies, and VSFG, are interested in discussing potential stablecoin trials with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The HKMA has been actively working on stablecoin regulations, and these companies are considering trials related to stablecoins.
According to HKMA CEO Eddie Yue, stablecoins might “become the interface between traditional finance and the virtual asset market.“
Taking Cues from the USA
Following the success of Bitcoin spot ETFs in the United States, Hong Kong is poised to adopt a similar regulatory approach. Analysts speculate that multiple institutions may receive approval concurrently, echoing the U.S. model. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) currently dominates the U.S. market, with others like BlackRock’s IBIT, Proshare’s BITO, and Fidelity Fund’s FBTC also in play.
Harvest Fund is not alone in its pursuit of a Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong, as other financial institutions, including Venture Smart Financial Holdings Ltd., express interest. The involvement of Hong Kong family office investor managers highlights the demand for local spot ETFs, showcasing the city’s emergence as a digital asset investment hub.
Will Hong Kong mirror the US Bitcoin ETF boom?
