Hong Kong Firm Ventures into Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Hong Kong-based financial services company Venture Smart Financial Holdings Ltd. (VSFG) is planning to launch the region’s first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The firm aims to file an application with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to initiate the ETF. This move comes after the SFC released guidelines for spot crypto funds in December 2023.
What is a Spot Bitcoin ETF
A spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of investment vehicle that provides investors with direct exposure to the current market price of Bitcoin, without the need to directly purchase and manage the cryptocurrency themselves.
In a spot Bitcoin ETF, the fund holds actual Bitcoins as its underlying asset and attempts to track the price of Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency market. The term “spot” refers to the immediate or current price of the underlying asset, which in this case is Bitcoin itself.
Aiming High
VSFG’s group head of investment and product, Brian Chan, expressed optimism about the potential of a spot Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong. The firm has set an ambitious goal of reaching $500 million in assets under management by the end of 2024.
The Global Context
The move by VSFG follows a global trend of institutions seeking to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs in their regions. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved nearly a dozen spot Bitcoin ETF applications earlier this month.
In Hong Kong, futures-based crypto ETFs are currently permitted, with three such funds listed so far: CSOP Bitcoin Futures, CSOP Ether Futures, and Samsung Bitcoin Futures. These funds have collectively garnered over $50 million in assets since their launch.
A Growing Market
The launch of a spot Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong is expected to broaden the range of investment options in the cryptocurrency market. The SFC has set guidelines for approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, embracing both “in-kind” and “cash creates” models.
The “in-kind” model allows current Bitcoin holders to diversify their portfolios without transitioning out of the cryptocurrency. On the other hand, the “cash ETF” model involves buying and selling ETF shares using traditional fiat currencies, making it more accessible for traditional investors.
Other Players in the Field
VSFG is not the only firm eyeing the spot crypto fund space. Samsung Asset Management, one of the firms offering futures-based ETFs, has also expressed interest in exploring the launch of a spot ETF.
Regulatory Environment
Hong Kong’s regulatory environment has been evolving to accommodate the growing interest in cryptocurrencies. In June 2023, the city initiated its crypto licensing system for virtual asset trading platforms. In December 2023, the SFC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority jointly released guidelines for the authorization of various funds, including spot ETFs.
The launch of a spot Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong aligns with the global trend towards greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies as legitimate financial assets. As the city continues to enhance its status as a global financial hub, the introduction of a spot Bitcoin ETF could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of its cryptocurrency market.
Angel Marinov is the Managing Editor at Coinlabz. With extensive knowledge of crypto payments and blockchain use cases, Angel is a trusted source of accurate and timely information
