Traditional finance and cryptocurrency are converging at an accelerating pace. In a bold strategic move, FUTU Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited—commonly known as FUTU Securities—has officially launched cryptocurrency deposit services on its flagship trading platform, Futu NiuNiu. As of May 7, eligible investors can now recharge their accounts with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), marking a pivotal step in integrating digital assets into mainstream investment portfolios.
This development isn’t spontaneous. It reflects years of strategic planning, regulatory navigation, and market anticipation. Let’s explore the significance of this move, its implications for investors, and how it positions FUTU within the evolving financial landscape.
The Regulatory Foundation: Securing Hong Kong’s VATP License
FUTU Holdings Limited, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a leading fintech innovator offering digital brokerage and wealth management solutions. By Q4 2024, the company had amassed over 34 million global registered users, with approximately 2.5 million paying customers—a 39.1% year-on-year increase. In Hong Kong alone, Futu NiuNiu reaches more than half of the adult population.
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The firm holds standard SFC licenses for securities trading (Type 1), advisory services (Type 4), and asset management (Type 9). However, to offer virtual asset services, a separate Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP) license is required under Hong Kong’s updated regulatory framework introduced in 2023.
FUTU’s journey into crypto began as early as 2021 when executives confirmed applications for digital asset licenses in Hong Kong, the U.S., and Singapore. Progress was gradual, but momentum built with the approval of PantherTrade, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUTU Holdings, which received its VATP license from the SFC in January 2025. This regulatory green light paved the way for the launch of crypto deposit functionality on Futu NiuNiu.
Now, retail users can deposit BTC (minimum 0.0002 BTC) and ETH (minimum 0.001 ETH), with funds typically credited within one hour. Professional investors—with assets exceeding HK$8 million—can also deposit USDT via designated networks, enjoying zero transaction fees.
Expanding Investment Horizons for Stock Traders
For traditional stock investors using Futu NiuNiu, the addition of crypto deposits unlocks new opportunities:
- Diversification beyond equities: With access to BTC, ETH, and USDT in the same account used for Hong Kong, U.S. stocks, and ETFs, users can build more balanced, resilient portfolios.
- Lower entry barriers: Instead of navigating standalone crypto exchanges, users can now enter the digital asset market seamlessly—without managing multiple accounts or learning new interfaces.
- Market cycle hedging: Cryptocurrency and equity markets often move independently. During periods of stock market volatility, crypto may offer counter-cyclical growth potential—and vice versa.
Bitcoin’s price surge past $100,000 in 2024 underscored crypto’s appeal as a high-growth alternative asset class. By enabling direct crypto funding, FUTU empowers its existing user base to capitalize on macro trends without leaving their trusted platform.
Attracting Crypto-Native Investors to Traditional Markets
While stock traders gain crypto access, crypto enthusiasts also stand to benefit:
- Mainstream-grade security: Unlike many decentralized or offshore exchanges, FUTU operates under strict regulatory oversight. Its compliance infrastructure reduces risks related to fraud, hacking, and custody failures.
- Seamless cross-asset management: Users can shift capital between BTC and U.S. tech stocks like Apple or Tesla within a single interface—ideal for those tracking macroeconomic shifts across both markets.
- Liquidity efficiency: No need to withdraw crypto to fiat and re-deposit elsewhere. Funds move fluidly between asset classes, reducing friction and opportunity cost.
Platforms like Robinhood and eToro have demonstrated the power of this model: Robinhood derived nearly 20% of its 2023 revenue from crypto trading alone. FUTU appears poised to replicate this success by targeting a similar demographic—young, tech-savvy, and open to diversified digital investing.
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Addressing Limitations and Market Realities
Despite its advantages, FUTU’s crypto offering comes with constraints:
- Geographic restrictions: Due to mainland China’s crypto regulations, only Hong Kong and international users can participate.
- High门槛 for USDT access: Only professional investors meeting the HK$8 million net worth threshold can deposit USDT. This effectively excludes most retail traders—a decision some have dubbed “locking out small investors.”
While these limitations may slow mass adoption initially, they align with FUTU’s focus on serving sophisticated clients first. Over time, broader access could follow as regulatory clarity improves across Asia.
Industry Impact: A Catalyst for Financial Integration
FUTU’s move signals more than just product expansion—it reflects a broader trend of traditional finance embracing blockchain-based assets. As a major player in Asian fintech, its entry lends credibility to the crypto ecosystem and encourages other licensed brokers to follow suit.
Already, firms like Victory Securities have introduced similar features. With FUTU’s stamp of approval, expect increased competition, innovation, and consolidation across hybrid financial platforms.
Moreover, the integration promotes transparency in an industry historically plagued by trust issues. Regulated entities like FUTU bring audit trails, KYC protocols, and investor protections that many crypto-native platforms still lack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can mainland Chinese users use FUTU’s crypto deposit service?
A: No. Due to current regulatory restrictions in mainland China, only users in Hong Kong and other eligible international regions can access the service.
Q: What are the minimum deposit amounts for BTC and ETH?
A: The minimum is 0.0002 BTC and 0.001 ETH. Deposits typically reflect in the account within one hour.
Q: Why is USDT only available to professional investors?
A: To comply with risk management standards under Hong Kong’s VATP rules, USDT deposits require proof of at least HK$8 million in investable assets.
Q: Is there a fee for crypto deposits?
A: Retail users pay standard network fees. Professional investors depositing USDT enjoy zero platform fees when using approved networks.
Q: Does FUTU offer crypto trading or just deposits?
A: Currently, the service supports deposits only. Trading capabilities may be introduced in future updates.
Q: How does FUTU ensure the security of deposited crypto?
A: As a licensed financial institution, FUTU employs enterprise-grade custody solutions, multi-signature wallets, and adheres to strict SFC-mandated security protocols.
Core Keywords:
- FUTU Securities
- cryptocurrency deposit service
- virtual asset trading platform (VATP)
- BTC ETH USDT
- Futu NiuNiu
- Hong Kong fintech
- integrated trading platform
- crypto and stock investing
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FUTU Securities’ launch of crypto recharge functionality marks a defining moment in the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets. By combining regulatory compliance, user-centric design, and cross-market flexibility, it sets a new benchmark for what modern investing platforms should offer—ushering in a future where stocks and crypto coexist seamlessly under one roof.