ZA Bank Crypto Trading Pilot Program for Retail Investors
2024-10-29

Despite restrictions over cryptocurrencies in China, its border-sharing region Hong Kong has been marking milestones in the cryptocurrency market. As per dozens of surveys, it has one of the fastest-evolving digital asset markets in the world. 
ZA Bank the subsidiary of ZhongAn Technologies International (ZA) has announced the launch sandbox trial of its virtual asset trading services for retail investors. The branch of ZA in Hong Kong is preparing to introduce its crypto-based trading services following the completion of the pilot program. 
The official blog post by ZA Bank notes that the bank and several other studies have found a surge in interest among retail investors concerning cryptocurrency trading. 
Regional finance experts argue that the move to launch the initial service is solely backed by the surging popularity and adoption of digital assets worldwide. 
In the blog, the bank cited that crypto has great potential and has also referred to its market capitalization. It referred to a survey that claims that roughly 75 percent of retail investors in Hong Kong have expressed interest in trading digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. 
ZA Bank is fully prepared for the final launch of the virtual asset services in order to meet the growing demand for digital currencies and related services among retail investors. 
Following the launch, the CEO of ZA Bank, Ronald Iu, said: “This milestone not only signifies ZA Bank’s continued progress towards our ‘Banking for Web3’ vision but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting the development of virtual assets in Hong Kong.”
On the last day of the previous month Todayq reported, that Hong Kong, SFC had given a green signal to ZA Bank for Type 1 regulated activities. The regulatory commission has played a crucial role in shaping the crypto market and its regulations in the region. 
Another traditional bank based in the US, FV Bank has announced its partnership with Visa Inc., a payment card provider, to launch crypto-based debited cards in the U.S. and other countries. Banks of Hong Kong Shifting towards Web3! 
Mox Bank became the first bank in Hong Kong in August 2024 to offer cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds to users through its investment platform. 
It is worth noting that the neighbor of HK, China, has imposed strict restrictions on cryptocurrencies and services. Before the ban, it was one of the favorite locations of crypto miners. 
Banks in HK and some subsidiaries of China’s banks functioning in the region have also explored the potential of digital currencies. The region is one of the fast-evolving crypto hubs in the world and is also sharing expertise with others in order to help them understand digital assets. 
The introduction and sudden popularity of blockchain technology have opened many doors for the traditional finance system and reduced the time and effort required for cross-border transactions. 
However, it is worth noting that in terms of adoption, India remains the topper for two consecutive years, but the regulatory stance in the nation is worse compared to others. 