April 14, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
A recent survey conducted by ZA Bank reveals that a significant number of Hong Kong residents are turning to digital banks for cryptocurrency trading, driven by factors such as convenience, security, and regulatory compliance.
Approximately 69% of respondents highlighted the ease of trading directly from their bank deposits without the need for additional fiat transfers as a major advantage. Furthermore, 68% appreciated the ability to conduct trades through existing digital bank applications, eliminating the need for separate platforms. The user-friendly interfaces of these applications were also noted, with 50% of participants finding them suitable for general public participation in investment activities.
Security remains a paramount concern for investors. Over 75% of those surveyed expressed trust in digital banks for their robust fund security measures, risk control, and fraud prevention capabilities. This trust is further bolstered by the banks’ adherence to regulatory standards, with 63% of respondents valuing the compliance that digital banks maintain.
The evolving regulatory landscape in Hong Kong plays a crucial role in investor confidence. Nearly 70% of participants believe that increased regulatory clarity will attract more participants to the cryptocurrency market, thereby expanding the investor base and liquidity pool. Additionally, 60% agreed that regulation enhances market transparency, reduces illicit activities, and lowers trading risks, ultimately providing better protection for investors.
Looking ahead, investors are seeking broader functionalities from digital banking crypto services. A significant 81% desire support for crypto-in-crypto-out transactions to enhance asset flexibility. Moreover, 70% expect platforms to support stablecoins like USDT and USDC for more effective fund allocation and risk management. Trading fees also remain a concern, with nearly 80% of respondents hoping for optimised fee structures to improve the overall trading experience.
Calvin Ng, CEO of ZA Bank, acknowledged the survey findings, stating that the ability to trade cryptocurrencies directly from digital bank savings accounts without extra fiat transfers is a key attraction for users. He emphasised that these insights reaffirm the bank’s product design direction, aligning with market expectations and user needs. Ng also mentioned plans to expand their one-stop digital investment platform to cover a broad range of asset classes, including crypto, funds, and stocks, catering to users with varying risk appetites.
This move to digital banks for cryptocurrency trading highlights how crucial it is becoming to combine user-friendly interfaces with strict security protocols and regulatory compliance in order to satisfy the changing demands of contemporary investors.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.