Companies & Deals
Share
Two of China’s leading fund management firms, Harvest Global Investments and Southern Fund, are pursuing applications for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
According to reports from regional sources on Monday, both companies are seeking approval from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to introduce spot bitcoin ETFs, marking a significant shift in China's investment landscape.
Harvest Fund Leads the Charge Sources familiar with the situation revealed to China’s Securities Times that Harvest Global Investments, known as HGIUK, has taken the lead in filing an application with the SFC. Established in 1999, Harvest Fund caters primarily to international clients, particularly those with interests in the Chinese market. As domestic stock market challenges persist, HGIUK is experiencing growing demand for cross-border investment opportunities, prompting its foray into the cryptocurrency space.
Joining the race is Southern Fund in addition to Harvest Fund’s initiative also referred to as CSOP, is reportedly in the process of seeking approval for a spot bitcoin ETF. This move highlights the growing interest among Chinese investment giants in cryptocurrency-related products.
Furthermore, China Asset Management, known as China AMC, is said to be collaborating with a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency custodian, which signals broader industry involvement in the digital asset market.
Disclaimer of Warranty
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. We make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Read full disclaimer
Industry insiders anticipate that the regulatory approval for cryptocurrency-focused ETFs will likely materialize by the second quarter of 2024.
Southern Fund has a track record in this space, having introduced Asia’s first bitcoin futures-based ETF, the “Southern Dongying Bitcoin Futures ETF.” Meanwhile, Harvest Fund’s strategic initiatives suggest a broader approach beyond futures ETFs, focusing instead on spot bitcoin ETFs.
Moreover, Hong Kong’s regulatory bodies have signaled their commitment to supporting innovation in the cryptocurrency sector. In fact, Hashkey Group, a prominent provider of digital asset financial services in Asia, anticipates definitive announcements regarding the Hong Kong Bitcoin spot ETF in the first half of this year, highlighting the region’s growing significance in the global cryptocurrency landscape.
As China’s investment giants venture into the cryptocurrency market through spot bitcoin ETFs, they signal a broader acceptance and adoption of digital assets within traditional financial institutions.
With regulatory support and industry engagement on the rise, Hong Kong isready to become a pivotal hub for cryptocurrency innovation and investment in the coming years.
Related Articles

Companies & Deals
Stripe’s Reported PayPal Interest: A Signal of Payments Consolidation With Stablecoins in Focus?

Companies & Deals
Riot Platforms Faces Investor Pressure to Accelerate AI Infrastructure Expansion

Companies & Deals
German Financial Innovation: Stuttgart Stock Exchange Merges with Tradias in €500M Deal
Editor's Picks

UAE Stablecoins: Why They Are Built to Travel, Not Stay Local
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 28, 2026
8 min

The Central Bank of the UAE Clearing the Noise Around Article 62
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 25, 2026
5 min

Europe’s Crypto Purge: Did Lithuania Just Kick Out Innovation — and is the UAE the Beneficiary?
Salma Naueihed
Feb 18, 2026
7 min
Read More Articles
In the Same Space

Binance Sues Wall Street Journal Over Iran-Related Investigation Report
News Desk
Mar 12, 2026
2 min

Bitcoin Retreats as Oil Surges Above $100 After Tanker Attacks
News Desk
Mar 12, 2026
4 min

SEC and CFTC Sign Coordination Pact to Align Crypto and Financial Market Oversight
News Desk
Mar 12, 2026
4 min

Solana ETFs Attract Institutional Investors While XRP Funds Lean Retail
News Desk
Mar 11, 2026
4 min