Hong Kong’s largest online brokerage, Futu Securities, which boasts over 3.5 million customers, has introduced retail Bitcoin trading on its platform.
According to the South China Morning Post, users can now buy and sell Bitcoin directly using either Hong Kong or U.S. dollars.
Futu is the first online broker in Hong Kong to provide retail investors with direct access to Bitcoin.
Last month, the company received authorization from the city's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to offer virtual asset dealing services.
This development follows Hong Kong's approval of a Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded fund earlier this year.
With new licensing requirements for exchanges and other policy measures, Hong Kong aims to establish itself as a leading hub for Bitcoin and digital assets.
Futu has also applied for a comprehensive Bitcoin and crypto exchange license for its PantherTrade platform, one of 11 interim exchanges in Hong Kong awaiting SFC approval.
To attract new Bitcoin and crypto investors, Futu is offering incentives such as Alibaba and Nvidia stock as rewards.
Customers who deposit HK$10,000 for 60 days can receive HK$600 in Bitcoin or vouchers and shares, with larger deposits yielding even greater rewards.
Currently, Futu is waiving Bitcoin trading commissions to capture market share. The company is partnering with the licensed exchange HashKey to facilitate trading in compliance with SFC regulations.