HashKey Receives Approval to Launch Cryptocurrency Staking in Hong Kong
Date: 2025-04-11 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: BUSINESS
Cryptocurrency exchange HashKey has announced that it has received approval from the Hong Kong regulator to launch staking services, which could significantly expand institutional investor interest in investing in proof-of-stake assets, including Ethereum spot ETFs.
The approval was issued on April 10 following the publication of official guidelines from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regarding staking services for licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) and approved investment funds. The company said it is now among the first regulated exchanges in Hong Kong to offer such solutions.
Previously, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) recognized the benefits of staking, in particular its role in enhancing the security of blockchain networks and the possibility of generating income from virtual assets in a regulated environment. These arguments were taken into account when approving the HashKey initiative, according to a translation of the SFC statement published by the Asian publication PANews.
According to HashKey Managing Director Terrence Pu, the company can now offer staking to investors purchasing Ethereum spot ETFs. He added that in the near future, users will be able to not only invest in Ethereum through ETFs, but also earn additional income by holding ETH directly on the HashKey platform using staking.
Recall that Hong Kong approved its first Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs in April last year, giving institutional investors the opportunity to participate in a direct subscription model for digital assets. This makes the region one of the pioneers in providing passive income from cryptocurrency ETFs.
While the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also approved the launch of Ethereum spot ETFs last year, staking strategies have not yet been incorporated into the structure of these products. This restriction is a major drawback for US institutional investors, who see the possibility of earning income through staking as a key element of investment attractiveness.
However, this may change. With the election of Donald Trump and the appointment of a new SEC chairman who is supportive of the crypto industry, market participants are hoping for the imminent approval of staking services within ETFs in the US as well. Bloomberg analyst James Seyfarth suggests that such approval could be issued as early as May.
