Game-changer: Asian stock brokers start accepting USDT and USDC for trading

• Futu Securities enables crypto trading alongside stocks on Hong Kong’s NiuNiu platform.
• U.S. and global regulators fuel widespread adoption and Bitcoin reserve initiatives.

As global financial institutions increasingly embrace crypto, Hong Kong’s Futu Securities International is stepping into the spotlight.

Hong Kong’s crypto surprise

The city’s largest online brokerage has officially launched a crypto deposit service, enabling qualified investors to seamlessly trade Bitcoin [BTC], Ethereum [ETH], and USDT alongside traditional assets.

Users can easily switch between digital and conventional markets, marking a significant move toward bridging the gap between traditional finance and the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrencies.

Remarking on the same, X user _FORAB added, 

“Internet securities dealers are counting down to their large-scale entry into the cryptocurrency world and access to stablecoins.”  

Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global crypto hub are far from isolated developments.

With the rollout of the ASPIRe framework, tax incentives for institutional investors, and the historic approval of Asia’s first spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, the city is actively positioning itself at the forefront of the digital asset revolution.

Is the United States acting as a torchbearer?

This assertive approach coincides with renewed regulatory momentum in the United States, where Paul Atkins has assumed leadership of the SEC, vowing a clearer stance on crypto regulation.

The SEC has also formed a dedicated task force to craft a comprehensive framework for digital assets, signaling a shift in federal oversight.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s proposal for a national Bitcoin Reserve has sparked a wave of legislative activity at the state level.

Regions like Texas, Arizona, and New Hampshire moving to establish their own reserves in a bid to stay ahead in the evolving crypto economy.

As expected, the United States’ renewed push for crypto regulation and state-level adoption has sparked a ripple effect far beyond its borders, inspiring a wave of global momentum.

Switzerland is now exploring the addition of Bitcoin to its national reserves, while South Korea’s presidential contender Han Dong-hoon is advocating for deregulation and the approval of Bitcoin ETFs.

In Vietnam, Techcombank Securities is gearing up for a historic IPO by integrating cryptocurrency tools into its platform, marking a significant step toward mainstream crypto integration.

These developments underscore how U.S. leadership in digital asset policy is not only reshaping its own financial future, but also influencing nations worldwide to accelerate their embrace of crypto.

Current market trends

This global shift in crypto sentiment coincides with a notable surge in market activity.

As of the latest update, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization has climbed to $3.09 trillion, reflecting a 3.10% daily gain, according to CoinMarketCap.

Bitcoin was nearing the symbolic $100K milestone as well, trading at $99,749.24 after a 2.88% rise, while Ethereum also posted strong momentum with a 5.27% uptick, reaching $1,943.46.

Meanwhile, Visa’s on-chain analytics data for April reveal USDT leading transaction volumes with $421.61 billion, outpacing USDC and other stablecoins.

Together, these metrics signal accelerating global engagement and reinforce the narrative of crypto’s expanding relevance across both institutional and retail landscapes.