Futu invested HKD 440 million in Hong Kong virtual bank Airstar Bank, becoming its second-largest shareholder
ChainCatcher news, according to Dongfang Caifu Net, Futu Holdings announced the completion of a HKD 440 million investment in the parent company of the licensed virtual bank, Tianxing Bank. After the transaction, Futu indirectly holds 44.11% of Tianxing Bank's shares, becoming the second-largest shareholder. The largest shareholder of Tianxing Bank is Xiaomi, while Tencent is among Futu's shareholders.It is reported that Futu's investment is mainly to support the business development of Tianxing Bank, promote business diversification, and facilitate the development of the industry ecosystem, helping to sustain innovation and popularization of financial technology in Hong Kong, and deepen inclusive finance.Tianxing Bank was jointly established by Xiaomi Group and Asian brokerage firm Sun Hung Kai Financial. It was granted a banking license by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on May 9, 2019, and officially commenced trial operations on March 31, 2020, becoming the second officially operating virtual bank in Hong Kong. The bank's main business is to engage in banking and related financial services in Hong Kong in the form of a virtual bank.