In Hong Kong, crypto ETFs are struggling to establish a foothold in a market dominated by traditional financial products. Gary Tiu, Executive Director at OSL, highlighted the lack of incentives for ETFs in the Hong Kong market. Brokers, attracted by high commissions from structured products, show little interest in ETFs, contributing to their slow growth.
Why Are Brokers Reluctant to Embrace ETFs?
Tiu pointed out that despite the accessibility of ETFs to traders, brokers avoid them due to their low commission rates. This reluctance is a significant barrier to the wider adoption and growth of ETFs in Hong Kong. The bias among brokers against these products further complicates the situation.
What Role Do Market Participants Play?
Additionally, Tiu noted a prevailing bias against cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in Hong Kong. Regulators and financial institutions categorize crypto ETFs as high-risk, which stifles their growth. Chen Zhao, Director of Crypto Assets at Fosun Wealth, attributed this to the small number of market participants in Hong Kong. Unlike Western and Chinese financial giants, local institutions are relatively smaller and less willing to engage in these products.
Challenges and Considerations
In Hong Kong, crypto ETFs face a tough road with limited participants and incentives. As of August 11, the total net asset value of these ETFs stood at $310 million, with an average daily trading volume of $2.8 million. Unlike their US counterparts, transactions based on physical BTC in Hong Kong are not considered cash inflows, adding another layer of complexity.
Concrete Insights
– Brokers prefer structured products due to higher commissions.
– Regulatory bias against cryptocurrencies impacts ETF growth.
– The small size of local financial institutions limits market participation.
These factors pose significant challenges for the acceptance and growth of crypto ETFs in Hong Kong. For broader market acceptance, there needs to be a paradigm shift in the perspectives of brokers and regulators towards these investment products.
