Hong Kong Set to Greenlight Spot Bitcoin ETFs

There is a big development in the city’s cryptocurrency market scene as reports indicate that the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong is about to approve spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The first wave of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the area are expected to be approved by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission by April 15, according to insider information reported by Tencent News. A change in the approval procedure appears to have occurred, since at least two of the applications did not meet the necessary requirements for crypto asset management. Originally, plans were to approve four ETFs.

Key Players in the Pipeline

Several Hong Kong-based entities and mainland China proxies have expressed interest in launching spot crypto ETFs. Notable applicants include China Southern Fund, Harvest Fund, Jiashi Fund, Huaxia Fund, and Southern Fund, all of which have submitted applications through their Hong Kong subsidiaries and await regulatory clearance.

Upon approval from the Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will undertake approximately two weeks to finalize preparations for product listing and associated procedures, signaling an imminent entry of spot Bitcoin ETFs into the market.