AsianFin -- Guotai Junan International Holdings has become the first mainland-backed securities broker in Hong Kong to provide comprehensive virtual asset trading services.

Clients can now directly trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins including Tether (USDT) on Guotai Junan International’s platform.

The announcement on June 25 sparked a surge in broker stocks, with related shares rallying nearly 200%. On June 26, Guotai Junan’s stock price briefly surged as much as 90% before retreating by around 10%. As of 10:10 a.m. local time, the shares were still up nearly 20%.

This move positions Guotai Junan International at the forefront of the growing digital asset market in Hong Kong, signaling increased institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies amid evolving regulatory frameworks.