Standard Chartered is set to enter the digital asset trading market with the launch of its own Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) service in November. This move follows a recent approval from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission for the first-ever Solana spot ETF in Asia by China Asset Management Company (ChinaAMC). This landmark development, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a leading hub for digital asset investment, comes amidst a surge in demand for exposure to crypto assets from high-net-worth individuals. The bank’s new service is designed to respond to this growing interest and offers potential clients direct access to the world of digital assets. 2025 findings from a Hong Kong study published by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) revealed that a significant portion of affluent clients (over 75%) actively express interest in entering the crypto market, signaling a surge in confidence around investments in digital assets. The report also showed that many wealthy individuals (over 80%) plan to invest within the next year, with expectations for greater exposure to digital asset-related products from local banks. While enthusiasm for crypto is high, challenges like volatility, platform security concerns, and limited education opportunities remain, according to the study, highlighting potential hurdles in widespread adoption of these assets. The approval of ChinaAMC’s Hua Xia Solana ETF marks a significant development for Hong Kong’s growing digital finance landscape. This comes after the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in April 2024. While this region has seen rapid expansion in its overall ETF market, with a 10-year CAGR of 22%, Hong Kong’s growth is relatively slow at just 5%. For more information about the latest developments in the digital asset space, visit DeFi Planet and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and CoinMarketCap Community.