The Hong Kong arm of Standard Chartered is gearing up to offer a digital asset trading service next month, just as the first Solana ETF goes live in the region. Summary Standard Chartered Hong Kong will launch a virtual asset ETF trading service in November. A recent survey revealed that 75% of affluent clients are interested in digital assets, with 80% planning to invest in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s SFC has approved the first Solana (SOL) spot ETF in Asia, expected to list on October 27. Standard Chartered Hong Kong has announced plans to roll out its virtual asset ETF trading service on its platform this November, marking a huge step in the bank’s digital finance strategy. Ho Man-chun, Head of Wealth Solutions at the bank, announced the development, stating that the new offering is in response to increasing client demand for exposure to digital assets. The move is in response to the results of the “Hong Kong High-End Customer Digital Assets Study 2025,” conducted under the HKMA’s ‘Digital Hong Kong Dollar+’ initiative. According to the study, 75% of high-net-worth clients expressed interest in digital assets, while nearly 80% plan to invest in them within the next year. Willina Mak, Head of Digital Banking, Customer and Data at the firm, added that over 70% of survey respondents were optimistic about digital assets launched by local note-issuing banks. The study, which surveyed more than 500 clients with HK$1 million or more in liquid assets, found that wealthier clients were more confident in diversifying through digital assets. Over 30% of respondents already own crypto assets, with many starting cautiously, allocating 20% or less of their portfolios to the asset class. On average, investors use about two to three platforms, highlighting a demand for choice and diversification. Despite growing interest, the survey also identified major hurdles such as price volatility, platform security concerns, and a lack of education on digital assets. Hong Kong approves first Solana spot ETF Adding to the exchange-traded fund momentum, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved the first-ever Solana (SOL) spot ETF in Asia. Developed by China Asset Management Company (ChinaAMC), the Hua Xia Solana ETF is scheduled to list on Oct 27, with a minimum entry of approximately US$100. Each trading unit will consist of 100 shares. This approval marks the third crypto ETF in the region, following the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in April 2024. It highlights growing regulatory openness and cements its position as a rising digital asset hub for institutional investors. However, despite these developments, Hong Kong’s ETF market still trails behind other Asia-Pacific regions in growth. While the broader APAC ETF market recorded a 10-year CAGR of 22%, Hong Kong’s ETF sector expanded by only 5%. As digital assets gain legitimacy and institutional support, Standard Chartered’s ETF offering could serve as a catalyst for broader adoption in the country.
