- Hong Kong’s SFC approves the first spot Solana ETF, issued by ChinaAMC.
- Listing on HKEX set for Oct 27 with HKD (3460), RMB (83460) and USD (9460) tickers.
- Physical SOL holdings, no staking, tracking the CME CF Solana-USD (APAC) index.
- Management fee of 0.99% and estimated annual costs capped around 1.99%.
Hong Kong has taken another step into regulated digital-asset investing as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) approves the city’s first spot exchange-traded fund tied to Solana. This move expands Hong Kong’s crypto ETF lineup beyond bitcoin and ether, and sets the stage for ChinaAMC’s SOL product to list on HKEX on October 27.
Designed to provide direct exposure to SOL without requiring self-custody, the fund aims to closely mirror market performance by tracking a widely used benchmark. With multiple currency lines and a low entry point, the ETF targets both retail and institutional investors seeking regulated access to Solana.
What exactly was approved — and when
The SFC has granted authorization for China Asset Management (Hong Kong) to launch a spot Solana ETF on the HKEX Main Board. Trading is slated to begin on October 27 under three currency counters: HKD (3460), RMB (83460) and USD (9460).
How the ETF is structured
The product holds SOL directly and targets tight tracking of the CME CF Solana-USD Index using the APAC reference rate. In other words, it’s a “physical” spot fund intended to reflect Solana’s price as closely as possible.
Trading will occur in board lots of 100 shares, with an indicative minimum outlay near HKD 780 (about USD 100), making the vehicle comparatively accessible. This approach keeps the bar to entry low for first-time ETF buyers interested in SOL.
Importantly, the ETF will not engage in staking any of the SOL it holds, and it will not pay out dividends. Returns are instead accrued within the fund’s net asset value, a setup that’s consistent with other spot crypto ETFs in Hong Kong.
Execution is expected through SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms, with OSL Exchange handling trading and OSL Digital Securities acting as sub-custodian. BOCI‑Prudential Trustee Limited serves as trustee/custodian, reinforcing a regulated operational framework.
Fees include a 0.99% management charge, while custody and administrative costs are capped at 1% of NAV, for an estimated total expense ratio near 1.99% annually. The fee structure lines up with existing spot crypto ETFs already on offer in the city.
Why it matters for Hong Kong
With Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs already trading, the addition of Solana cements Hong Kong’s ambition to become a regional hub for compliant digital-asset products. ChinaAMC has been a key player in that rollout, and this new mandate broadens the city’s lineup beyond the two dominant crypto assets.
The sign-off also lands as mainland authorities continue to tighten oversight of digital-asset initiatives, including real-world-asset tokenization pilots and certain stablecoin plans. Even so, Hong Kong is pressing ahead with a balanced, innovation-friendly framework that emphasizes investor protection.
Market reception and commentary
Industry participants argue the launch will deepen the market’s breadth by adding a high-throughput layer-1 to the roster of regulated choices. Observers describe Hong Kong’s approach as methodical yet open to new ideas, noting that retail interest across Asia could be meaningful given Solana’s developer base and consumer-facing apps.
From the institutional side, a listed, supervised vehicle offers a familiar route into an on-chain economy that investors increasingly view as multi-asset rather than single-asset. Several market voices framed the authorization as a clear vote of confidence that Solana is ready for prime time within traditional finance channels.
The global backdrop
Hong Kong’s approval arrives alongside growing international experimentation with crypto ETFs. Brazil moved ahead with spot SOL exposure last year, while Canada permitted several managers to roll out Solana spot ETFs in April. Elsewhere, Kazakhstan introduced a spot bitcoin ETF on the Astana International Exchange, underscoring the widening global menu.
The United States, by contrast, has not yet approved a spot Solana ETF. Decision timelines have been pushed back at times, including during a recent federal government shutdown that constrained staffing. Looking forward, JPMorgan has suggested potential first-year net inflows of roughly USD 1.5 billion for U.S. SOL spot ETFs, should they be approved — a more modest tally than ETH peers given today’s crowded crypto ETF field.
Price context and what investors should weigh
At the time of writing, SOL has been hovering in the high-$180s, still below its January 2025 peak near $295. Some traders identify a mid-$250s area as a potential resistance zone, but broader crypto sentiment and macro conditions are likely to remain the main drivers.
As with any spot crypto fund, the ETF streamlines exposure but doesn’t eliminate volatility. Prospective buyers should consider fees, currency choices across HKD/RMB/USD, and board-lot size when evaluating fit. Access is easier, but risk management and time horizon still matter.
With this authorization, Hong Kong strengthens its role as a bridge between traditional markets and on-chain finance. ChinaAMC’s Solana ETF, listing on October 27 with three currency counters and a clearly defined rule set (no staking, index-based tracking), adds a regulated path to SOL exposure while the U.S. process remains unresolved.
