AMINA Bank, a Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)-regulated crypto bank, has appointed Michael Benz as Head of AMINA Hong Kong and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Benz has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience, having served as Global Head of Private Banking at Standard Chartered, Chief Executive of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Asia, and Head of Product & Services at UBS Wealth Management APAC.
He will report directly to AMINA Bank Chief Executive, Franz Bergmueller.
The appointment follows AMINA Bank’s record performance in 2024, when it reported revenue growth of 69% to reach US$40.4 million.
Commenting on the appointment, Bergmueller said:
“Michael’s expertise in both traditional finance and crypto makes him the ideal leader to continue our expansion across Asia. His exceptional network and deep understanding of client needs will allow us to continue evolving our crypto products and capabilities. Michael’s leadership ensures that we can deliver the comprehensive, regulated crypto services that our sophisticated clients demand in the region.”
Benz’s appointment comes as Hong Kong’s regulatory environment continues to develop, with the Securities and Futures Commission’s ASPIRe roadmap, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s stablecoin licensing framework effective from 1 August, and the government’s Digital Asset Policy 2.0 initiative creating new opportunities for institutional crypto banking services.
“My two decades in Asia have shown me that Hong Kong uniquely prioritises practical business adoption in a regulated environment, and crypto technology is no exception,”
Benz said.
“This creates an extraordinary opportunity for institutions, corporates, and professional investors exploring this new asset class. What drew me to AMINA is their distinctive approach, combining regulatory excellence and rigour with Hong Kong market access to deliver crypto solutions that clients can trust.”
AMINA Bank said it plans to expand its crypto banking services in Hong Kong and across Asia, supported by new technology platforms to be launched in the second half of 2025 and strategic partnerships in the territory.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by mrsiraphol via Freepik
