What is Crypto Staking?
Crypto staking is the process of securing the network by locking users’ assets for a period of time on blockchain networks that operate on the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. In this process, users can become validators on the network or earn rewards depending on the amount they stake. Especially with Ethereum’s transition to the PoS mechanism in 2022, staking has become an important passive income method for investors.
New Step in Crypto Regulations in Hong Kong: Staking Authorization for HashKey
While crypto asset markets are growing rapidly across the world, the need for regulation is increasing in parallel with this growth. The importance of regulated service providers is becoming increasingly prominent, especially for institutional investors to safely participate in the sector. In this context, Hong Kong-based digital asset platform HashKey Exchange attracted attention by being authorized by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to provide crypto staking services.
HashKey to Offer Staking Service for Institutional Investors with SFC Approval
In April 2025, HashKey Exchange was authorized by the SFC to provide staking services in conjunction with spot Ether ETFs. This development is of great importance from both a technical and regulatory perspective. With this approval, HashKey became one of the first regulated platforms in Hong Kong to offer staking services for institutional investors.
This authorization targets not only individual investors but also large-scale financial institutions. Providing transactions such as staking under regulatory assurance increases market stability and enables investors to access these services with confidence.
This authorization targets not only individual investors but also large-scale financial institutions. Providing transactions such as staking under
Institutional Investors and the Role of Regulation
For institutional investors, staking transactions have generally been conducted through unregulated platforms until now. This created security gaps and legal uncertainties. HashKey’s approval offers institutional investors the opportunity to stake within a licensed, auditable, and legal framework.
HashKey already held Type 1 (securities transactions) and Type 7 (automated trading services) licenses from the SFC. It was also registered as a fully licensed virtual asset service provider under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Ordinance (AMLO) in 2024.
regulatory assurance increases market stability and enables investors to access these services with confidence.
Hong Kong’s Strategic Location
Hong Kong continues to be one of the most prominent regulatory centers for digital assets in Asia. The SFC’s transparent and comprehensive regulatory policies are encouraging increased investment in this area, making the region a leading center for global crypto finance.
HashKey’s permission to offer staking services demonstrates that Hong Kong is asserting its position in the global crypto markets, not only in terms of technological but also regulatory maturity.
Trust with Regulation: Hong Kong’s Crypto Vision
The authorization of HashKey Exchange to provide staking services not only demonstrates Hong Kong’s progress in terms of crypto regulations but also creates a secure investment environment for institutional investors. This development can be considered as an important step towards a more transparent, secure and sustainable structure for crypto markets.
