The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Huobi as it strengthens its global compliance strategy by securing a trust license in the United States. On December 16, Huobi Technology Holdings Limited — a publicly listed company — announced that its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary, Huobi Trust Company, had been granted a trust company license by the Financial Institutions Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. This regulatory approval allows Huobi to legally conduct trust-related business under Chapter 669 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, paving the way for compliant digital asset custody and financial services across the U.S.
This milestone positions Huobi as one of the first major global exchanges to achieve such a status, especially during a period when U.S. regulators are tightening oversight on cryptocurrency platforms. While other exchanges have struggled or withdrawn from the American market due to compliance hurdles, Huobi’s strategic move signals a long-term commitment to regulatory alignment and institutional-grade service expansion.
Why the U.S. Trust License Matters
A trust license is among the most prestigious and difficult-to-obtain financial licenses in the United States. Unlike standard money transmitter licenses, which only permit basic transactional activities, a trust charter empowers institutions to manage, custody, and administer assets on behalf of clients — functions critical for institutional adoption.
For Huobi, this means it can now offer regulated crypto custody, structured investment products, and fiduciary services tailored to institutional investors, family offices, and wealth managers. The significance is underscored by the fact that until recently, Grayscale Investments was nearly alone in offering crypto-based trust products in the U.S. With Huobi entering the space, competition is set to intensify in the growing digital asset management sector.
While Huobi has not yet launched active operations under its new trust entity, senior executive Lan Jianzhong confirmed ongoing preparations. The company has made key appointments to lead its U.S. compliance and operational efforts:
- Simon Collier, former Global Head of Wealth Solutions at HSBC Hong Kong, now leads the Nevada-based trust entity. With over three decades in global banking, his expertise strengthens Huobi’s institutional credibility.
- Aja Heise, ex-Chief Compliance Officer at Prime Trust, brings deep knowledge of U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance — essential for navigating complex state-level regulations.
These hires reflect Huobi’s intent to build a fully compliant, bank-grade infrastructure capable of meeting stringent U.S. financial standards.
Navigating the U.S. Crypto Exchange Landscape
The U.S. remains one of the largest and most influential cryptocurrency markets globally. However, market access is tightly controlled. Only a handful of exchanges — including Coinbase and Gemini — operate with full state trust charters.
Coinbase secured its BitLicense from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) in 2017, enabling it to serve customers in one of the most regulated states. Gemini also holds multiple state trust licenses and has positioned itself as a leader in compliance-first digital asset services.
Huobi’s entry adds a new dimension to this competitive landscape. Unlike many U.S.-focused platforms, Huobi brings seven years of international experience, deeper liquidity pools, and a broader range of trading pairs. Its global footprint — with compliance teams established in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, and Hong Kong — gives it an edge in cross-border operations and multi-jurisdictional regulatory alignment.
In contrast, some major exchanges have retreated from regulated markets. Binance, for example, began systematically offboarding U.S. users in late 2024, citing compliance pressures. This withdrawal highlights the growing divide between compliant operators and those struggling to meet regulatory expectations.
Huobi’s proactive licensing strategy demonstrates that sustainable growth in digital finance requires more than technology — it demands legal legitimacy.
A Small Step for Huobi, a Giant Leap for the Industry
Huobi’s Nevada license isn’t just a corporate achievement — it reflects a broader shift in the maturation of the crypto industry. Once seen as a fringe asset class, digital currencies are now embraced by mainstream institutions.
In 2025 alone:
- MicroStrategy increased its Bitcoin holdings beyond $10 billion.
- PayPal expanded its crypto offerings to include staking and recurring purchases.
- Square (now Block) integrated Bitcoin into its core payment ecosystem.
These moves were only possible because of improved regulatory clarity and trusted custodial frameworks. Exchanges act as gatekeepers to this ecosystem — their compliance status directly influences institutional confidence.
With 92% of institutional investors still preferring to hold assets on regulated exchanges rather than cold storage (due to liquidity and operational efficiency), licensed platforms like Huobi Trust are becoming preferred partners for asset managers and corporate treasuries.
Huobi has already laid the groundwork:
- Launched a Gibraltar-regulated platform for institutional traders.
- Introduced Huobi Brokerage, a licensed digital asset brokerage offering smart order routing across exchanges.
- Acquired BitTrade to establish Huobi Japan, operating under local regulatory oversight.
Rumors suggest Huobi may pursue a similar acquisition in South Korea through Bithumb, further expanding its Asia-Pacific presence.
This multi-market approach underscores a vision: building a globally interconnected, fully compliant trading network where users can transact securely across jurisdictions.
The Future of Crypto Compliance
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently clarified that crypto firms can apply for national trust bank charters, potentially streamlining interstate operations. Several licensed entities, including Huobi, are expected to explore this path in 2025.
As Du Jun, Huobi’s co-founder, stated: “Security and compliance have been the two most important decisions we’ve made in our seven-year journey.” That philosophy is now paying off.
Looking ahead, “licensed operation” will likely become mandatory for any exchange aiming to serve institutional clients or operate at scale. Unregulated platforms may face increasing restrictions — or be forced out entirely.
Huobi’s early investment in compliance infrastructure places it at the forefront of this transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a trust license allow Huobi to do in the U.S.?
A: It permits Huobi to offer regulated services such as crypto custody, asset management, fiduciary services, and structured investment products under Nevada law.
Q: Is Huobi currently operating in the U.S.?
A: Not yet publicly active. The license has been obtained, but full service rollout is pending further regulatory coordination and internal readiness.
Q: How does Huobi compare to Coinbase and Gemini?
A: While Coinbase and Gemini are U.S.-centric, Huobi offers broader global liquidity and multi-market experience. Its new trust license bridges international reach with U.S. regulatory standards.
Q: Can individual investors use Huobi Trust?
A: Initially focused on institutions and high-net-worth clients; retail access may come later depending on product development.
Q: Why did Huobi choose Nevada for its license?
A: Nevada offers a progressive regulatory framework for fintech and digital assets, making it an attractive entry point for innovative financial institutions.
Q: Will Huobi apply for a national bank charter?
A: While not officially confirmed, industry trends suggest licensed crypto firms like Huobi may pursue national charters following OCC guidance.
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