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Chinese crypto mogul Li Lin’s private trading arm is set to move into a Hong Kong-listed wealth firm
The transfer effectively moves part of Li’s private trading operation into a public company where he is the largest shareholder.
Updated Apr 22, 2026, 5:18 a.m. Published Apr 22, 2026, 5:13 a.m.
What to know:
- A Hong Kong-listed wealth manager, Bitfire Group, is acquiring crypto trading systems and staff from Avenir Group, the private investment arm of crypto billionaire Li Lin.
- The transfer effectively moves part of Li’s private trading operation into a public company where he is the largest shareholder.
- Bitfire plans a strategy targeting more than $700 million in bitcoin-linked assets using derivatives tied to products like the IBIT.
While structured as a purchase, the deal effectively transfers part of Li’s in-house crypto operation into a publicly listed vehicle, giving it a clearer path to attract institutional investors.
The timing reflects a broader shift in the region. Mainland China has banned crypto trading since 2021, but Hong Kong is positioning itself as a regulated hub for digital assets, drawing interest from firms looking for a compliant base. Hong Kong recently awarded stablecoin licenses to to HSBC and Standard Chartered.
By acquiring Avenir’s capabilities, Bitfire plans to roll out a bitcoin-focused strategy, “Alpha BTC,” targeting more than 10,000 bitcoins, worth about $760 million, in assets within a year.
