|

Layer 1 ETF approvals could drive Hong Kong crypto adoption

  • Hong Kong’s approval of Spot Ethereum ETF could pave the way for more Layer 1 tokens being accepted as ETFs. 
  • OKX’s Hong Kong branch OKLINK pointed out that Hong Kong’s attractiveness may have increased among crypto projects. 
  • Coinbase’s recent institutional research report showed that chances of Spot Ethereum ETF getting approved are 30 to 40%. 

Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs made their debut in Hong Kong on April 30. Following the approval, while ETH holders in the US await the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision on Spot Ether ETF applications, Hong Kong is an attractive destination for crypto projects. 

Ether ETF approval could open gates to more Layer 1 ETFs in Hong Kong

Crypto exchange OKX’s Hong Kong entity OKLINK states that considering Hong Kong’s approval of the spot Ether ETF, more Layer 1 tokens could find acceptance here. The exchange cites Solana, one of Ethereum’s competitors as an example. 

The acceptance of more Layer 1 chains as ETFs is expected to greatly increase the Asian city’s attractiveness for projects and investors. 

Jason Jiang, researcher at Ouke Cloud Chain Research Institute was quoted in OKX’s research and said, 

The significance of Hong Kong's issuance of virtual asset spot ETFs is not that it can bring major changes to the market in the short term, but that it signals that Hong Kong financial institutions will accelerate their embrace of virtual assets.

One of the leading factors that makes Hong Kong’s ETFs more attractive is the option for physical redemption. Native investors consider this a lucrative option when compared to US Spot Ether ETFs. 

The fee rate remains relatively high, resulting in a disadvantage and a restricted flow of liquidity and funds to the city’s ETFs. The report states that the recent decline in Bitcoin prices may be one of the factors affecting the low inflow of capital to these assets. 

Author

Ekta Mourya

Ekta Mourya

FXStreet

Ekta Mourya has extensive experience in fundamental and on-chain analysis, particularly focused on impact of macroeconomics and central bank policies on cryptocurrencies.

More from Ekta Mourya
Share:

Editor's Picks

Official Trump price approaches breakout with mixed signals from traders

Official Trump (TRUMP) is trading at $3.50 at the time of writing, approaching its upper consolidation range. A breakout from this range could open the door for an upside move. On-chain data shows market indecision, with balanced flows between bulls and bears, signaling a lack of clear directional bias.

Top 3 Price Prediction: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple – BTC, ETH and XRP remain range-bound as breakdown risks rise

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are trading sideways within consolidation ranges on Friday, signaling a lack of directional bias in the broader crypto market. BTC rebounded from key support, and ETH is nearing the lower consolidation boundary.

Top Crypto Losers: Optimism, Helium and Arbitrum tumble amid volatile week

Optimism, Helium, and Arbitrum are leading losses over the last 24 hours, testing crucial support levels. Optimism remains under pressure as Coinbase’s Base chain pulls support from the Layer-2. 

CME Group to make crypto products available for 24/7 trading in May

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group has announced plans to extend trading hours for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options to 24/7, starting May 29, pending regulatory approval.

Bitcoin Price Annual Forecast: BTC holds long-term bullish structure heading into 2026

Bitcoin (BTC) is wrapping up 2025 as one of its most eventful years, defined by unprecedented institutional participation, major regulatory developments, and extreme price volatility.

Bitcoin: BTC bears aren’t done yet

Bitcoin (BTC) price slips below $67,000 at the time of writing on Friday, remaining under pressure and extending losses of nearly 5% so far this week.