Hong Kong digital bank Mox Bank has officially entered the crypto market. The bank received an upgraded Type 1 license from the Securities and Futures Commission. This allows it to provide virtual asset trading services to customers. With this move, Mox Bank becomes the second digital bank in Hong Kong to support crypto trading. It now offers buying and selling of Bitcoin and Ethereum through its app.
据《香港经济日报》报道，香港数字银行 Mox Bank 获证监会升级「1 号牌」，正式推出虚拟资产交易服务，成为全港第二家支持买卖比特币的数字银行。当前仅支持以美元交易 Bitcoin（$BTC）和 Ethereum（$ETH），虚拟资产交易平台合作方为 HashKey Exchange，托管方为 HashKey Custody。此前，众安银行已于…
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For now, all trades are settled in U.S. dollars. In addition, the service connects directly to customer accounts, which means users can trade crypto without opening accounts on external exchanges. Furthermore, Mox Bank stated that this step supports Hong Kong’s push to become a regulated crypto hub.
Trading limited to $BTC and $ETH in USD
At launch, Mox Bank only supports Bitcoin and Ethereum. Both assets trade in U.S. dollars, other cryptos are not available yet. Mox partners with HashKey Exchange as its trading platform. HashKey Custody holds and safeguards user assets. This setup keeps trading and storage within regulated entities.
The bank also introduced a tiered fee system. Users fall into four membership levels. The Basic tier charges a 1.25% trading commission. The top Elite tier lowers that cost to 0.5%. But Mox Bank doesn’t allow crypto transfers. Customers can’t send their $BTC or $ETH to outside wallets. They can only buy and sell inside the app. This mirrors the model used by other local digital banks.
How Mox compares with ZA Bank
Mox Bank follows the path set by ZA Bank, which launched crypto trading in July 2025. ZA Bank supports more assets, including Solana and Chainlink. It also allows trades in Hong Kong dollars and U.S. dollars. ZA Bank charges a flat commission and a platform fee. During promotions, it reduces costs to attract users. Still, like Mox ZA Bank doesn’t allow crypto withdrawals.
Together, the two banks show a clear trend. Regulated banks want to offer crypto exposure without giving up custody or control. This keeps users inside a traditional banking structure while letting them access digital assets. For customers, this model feels safer, as they deal with licensed institutions instead of offshore platforms. For regulators, it keeps activity visible and monitored.
What this means for Hong Kong’s crypto strategy
Mox bank launch adds momentum to Hong Kong’s crypto push. The city wants to build a compliant digital asset market rather than ban it. Banks now play a central role in that strategic plan. Specifically, by limiting trading to major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Mox Bank reduces risk. Furthermore, by using licensed partners like HashKey, it follows strict custody rules.
This also shows how crypto is moving closer to traditional finance. Digital banks now treat crypto like stocks or funds. It sits inside the same app and under the same rules. Over time, more assets may be added. Transfers may follow if regulations allow. But for now, Mox focuses on simple access. The message is clear. Crypto in Hong Kong is no longer just for exchanges. It is now part of digital banking.
