Chinese crypto billionaire Li Lin’s private trading empire will soon move into a Hong Kong-listed company he controls, in a move designed to cater to growing investor demand for digital assets.

That Hong Kong-listed firm is Bitfire, a wealth management company, where Li is the largest shareholder. Bitfire said Wednesday that it will pay $1.6 million to acquire a trading system and investment team from Li’s own family office Avenir Group, according to Reuters.

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…