HashKey Secures Approval for Staking in Hong Kong, Enhancing Institutional Interest in PoS
HashKey has become one of the first exchanges in Hong Kong authorized to offer staking services, which could increase institutional interest in proof-of-stake investments.
Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange HashKey has achieved regulatory approval to offer staking services, a significant step that could enhance investor interest in Proof-of-Stake (PoS) investments, particularly spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The announcement was made on April 10, when HashKey disclosed that it had acquired authorization from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for the provision of staking services.
This move follows new regulatory guidance issued by the SFC to Licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) and authorized funds, clarifying how staking can be integrated into compliant frameworks.
HashKey Becomes One of Hong Kong’s First Regulated Exchanges to Offer Staking
HashKey has claimed to be “one of the first” regulated exchanges in Hong Kong providing such services. The SFC’s decision has been endorsed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), which recognized the benefits of staking for improving blockchain network security and for allowing investors to gain regulated income from their digital assets.
“Investors will soon be able to not only hold Ether ETFs for exposure but also earn staking rewards directly through our platform,” stated Terence Hu, HashKey’s managing director.
“Investors will soon be able to not only hold Ether ETFs for exposure but also earn staking rewards directly through our platform,” said HashKey managing director Terence Hu in a statement. (Translated)
Hong Kong approved its first Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in April last year, enabling institutional investors to engage with digital assets via in-kind subscriptions. With this new development, Hong Kong solidifies its status as a global leader in regulated crypto finance by allowing ETF investors to earn passive yields—an option that remains unavailable in the U.S. Although the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved spot Ether ETFs in 2024, it refrained from allowing staking mechanisms—an issue that industry experts expect may soon change.
According to Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart, U.S. approval for including staking components in ETFs might happen as soon as May, potentially putting them on equal footing with Hong Kong’s progressive regulatory measures.
