Hong Kong’s first digital bank, ZA Bank, has released findings from its latest survey, the Hongkongers’ Cryptocurrency Trading Behaviour Survey, revealing a growing trend among local investors to turn to digital banks for cryptocurrency trading.
According to the survey, nearly 70% of respondents highlighted “one-account convenience” and the ability to “trade directly with bank deposits” as the key reasons for choosing digital banks.
Approximately 60% of participants also cited the regulated platforms and the perceived security and stability of banks as significant factors in their decision.
The survey’s results suggest that digital banks are increasingly competing with traditional cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a simpler, more regulated alternative for investors.
Digital banks are meeting the needs of a new generation of cryptocurrency investors by combining user-friendly interfaces with regulatory compliance.
This shift points to the growing role of digital banks as entry points for many into the crypto market.
Respondents were particularly drawn to the security and reliability that banks offer.
Over 75% of survey participants trusted banks for their expertise in fund security, risk control, and fraud prevention.
Meanwhile, 69% appreciated the convenience of trading directly with bank deposits without the need for additional fiat transfers, and 68% found the ability to use existing digital banking apps to trade more accessible.
Furthermore, 63% of respondents valued the regulatory compliance offered by digital banks, which they believed made transactions safer and more reliable.
The simple, user-friendly interface was also a key draw for 50% of respondents, making crypto trading more approachable for the general public.
The survey also revealed that many investors are optimistic about the impact of clearer regulations on the cryptocurrency market.
Almost 70% of respondents believe that increasing regulatory clarity will encourage more participants and expand the investor base.
Additionally, 60% agree that regulations improve market transparency, reduce illicit activities, and lower trading risks, ultimately providing better protection for investors.
As investors seek more comprehensive crypto services, the survey found significant demand for additional features.
A large portion of respondents – 81% – expressed interest in crypto-in-crypto-out transactions for greater asset flexibility, while 76% hoped for a broader range of mainstream cryptocurrencies with higher liquidity.
Furthermore, 70% of participants wanted support for stablecoins like USDT and USDC for better fund allocation and risk management.
Nearly 80% of respondents expressed concerns about trading fees and hoped that digital banks would optimize fee structures to improve the overall trading experience.
Calvin Ng, CEO of ZA Bank, commented on the findings:
“We’re pleased that survey respondents see the ability to trade cryptocurrencies directly from digital bank savings account balances – without extra transfers of fiat – as a key attraction. These findings reaffirm that our product design direction is well aligned with market expectations and user needs.”
Ng also noted that as investor interest in virtual assets grows, cryptocurrencies are becoming an increasingly important part of diversified portfolios.
Looking ahead, ZA Bank plans to expand its one-stop digital investment platform, which will cover a wider range of asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, funds, and stocks. This expansion aims to meet the needs of users with varying risk appetites and financial goals.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
