Luxury and Innovation Meet: HBL Partners with Swapin to Accept Crypto Payments
Crypto is entering the luxury space – not just as an investment, but as a popular payment method. Henningson Black Level (HBL), a global lifestyle group operating across real estate, private aviation, fashion, wealth management, and curated experiences, has built a reputation for impeccable service and innovation. Now, HBL has taken the next step forward by introducing crypto payments through a new partnership with Swapin, a licensed EU-based crypto payment solutions provider.
In this exclusive interview, HBL’s Chairman of the Board and Owner, Hendrick Henningson, shares the story behind HBL’s growth, how client expectations are evolving, and why integrating crypto payments is key to serving the next generation of luxury clients.
A vision rooted in purpose
Q: HBL has built a strong reputation in the luxury sector. What inspired you to start the company, and what values guide HBL’s success today?
Hendrick: HBL was born from a deep conviction that luxury is not merely about aesthetics or price tags, it is about intention, precision, and personalized excellence. From the beginning, our mission has been to create a global platform where high-net-worth individuals and visionary brands find not just services, but transformative experiences. Today, HBL’s reach extends across a curated portfolio of sectors, from real estate, jets, and yachts, to Health, Fashion & Beauty, and Consulting, each one embodying our core values: trust, innovation, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to delivering world-class results. Whether we are curating bespoke investments, facilitating ultra-luxury transactions, or crafting strategic brand roadmaps, our work is always rooted in purpose and authenticity
Crafting smooth experiences
Q: Luxury clients expect exceptional service. What strategies does HBL use to deliver a world-class experience across your diverse offerings?
Hendrick: Every HBL concept, from real estate and jets to yachts, fashion, and consulting, is anchored in three principles: personalized service, global expertise, and seamless execution. We take the time to understand each client’s aspirations and deliver solutions that are not only elegant but also strategic. Through the HBL Circle and our Holistic Business Alignment framework, we ensure that even business clients receive curated paths to growth and prestige. The goal is to eliminate friction, enhance impact, and elevate the journey, whether someone is acquiring a villa in Marbella or preparing a brand for global expansion.
Evolving expectations of clients
Q: In your experience, how are high-net-worth clients’ financial and lifestyle preferences evolving today? What trends are shaping their decisions?
Hendrick: Today’s luxury clients are more digitally fluent, more socially conscious, and increasingly focused on experiences over possessions. They seek investments that align with their values, such as sustainability and legacy, and lifestyle offerings that are immersive and purposeful. We’re seeing strong growth in sectors like private aviation, art investments, and wellness real estate. There’s also a marked shift toward privacy, authenticity, and flexibility. These clients want control, but also discretion. They want beauty, but also substance.
Innovation with a human touch
Q: Digital innovation is transforming every industry. How has HBL adapted to improve the client experience and meet changing expectations?
Hendrick: At HBL, we embrace innovation not as a trend but as a strategic tool to enhance exclusivity and efficiency. Whether it’s using virtual tools to present off-market properties, integrating AR/VR into brand experiences, or launching crypto payment options with Swapin, we are always evolving. Innovation at HBL is about expanding what’s possible while maintaining the human touch. It’s about offering modern convenience without sacrificing old-world refinement.
Crypto in high-value transactions
Q: With alternative payment methods gaining popularity, what role do you see crypto payments playing in the luxury sector?
Hendrick: Cryptocurrency is rapidly transitioning from a niche investment vehicle to a legitimate payment method for high-value transactions. In the luxury space, where privacy, speed, and flexibility are essential, crypto represents a natural evolution. For clients purchasing yachts, real estate, fine art, or even engaging in private aviation, crypto can streamline the process and offer them an elevated sense of control. But above all, it aligns with their modern, borderless lifestyles.
Rising demand from clients
Q: Have you seen a growing interest from HBL clients in using crypto for transactions?
Hendrick: Absolutely. Many of our clients, particularly those active in Web3, tech, and international business, are already managing wealth in digital assets. They’ve expressed a strong interest in using crypto to facilitate larger transactions in sectors where discretion and speed matter most. The challenge, until now, has been the lack of user-friendly, compliant, and secure solutions. That’s precisely why the Swapin partnership was so timely and strategic.
HBL’s decision to choose Swapin
Q: HBL recently partnered with Swapin to introduce crypto payments for your clients. What motivated this decision, and how has it impacted your business so far?
Hendrick: The decision to partner with Swapin came from a shared commitment to excellence, security, and innovation. Swapin’s solution is elegant: it allows clients to pay in crypto while we receive fiat instantly, no volatility, no complexity. That’s exactly the kind of smart simplicity our clientele expects. This integration has already begun enhancing client satisfaction. Whether it’s acquiring a classic car or booking an exclusive retreat, crypto is no longer a barrier, it’s a bridge.
Global expansion and innovation
Q: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for HBL’s growth in the next 5 years? Do you see payment innovations like crypto playing a role in that journey?
Hendrick: HBL is entering a phase of accelerated global expansion. From new hubs in MENA and Southeast Asia to increased investment in digital and AI-driven services, our vision is to become the reference point for bespoke luxury solutions worldwide. Crypto, and fintech innovations more broadly, will absolutely play a central role. It’s not just about adding convenience; it’s about offering forward-thinking clients the tools they expect, in an ecosystem they trust.
Advice for luxury brands
Q: What advice would you give to other luxury businesses considering crypto payments but unsure where to start?
Hendrick: Start by choosing the right partner, one that understands both the technical and emotional dimensions of luxury. Crypto payments must be elegant in execution, compliant with regulations, and seamless for clients. Swapin offers that peace of mind. Beyond that, embrace the opportunity. Integrating crypto is not just a tech upgrade, it’s a statement that your brand understands where luxury is heading.
A word from Swapin CEO & Founder
We also asked Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO and Founder of Swapin, to share his thoughts on the partnership with HBL and the wider impact of crypto payments in the luxury space.
Q: What excites you most about the partnership with HBL?
Evald-Hannes: HBL represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking brand we love to work with – highly professional, client-focused, and constantly evolving. Their willingness to embrace crypto payments shows a clear vision of where the luxury industry is headed. We’re happy to support them in offering secure, compliant, and smooth crypto payment experiences to their clientele.
Q: What would you say to other luxury businesses still unsure about crypto payments?
Evald-Hannes: Don’t be intimidated. You don’t need to be a crypto expert. With the right tools, you can offer your clients modern payment options without changing how you operate. Crypto isn’t a risk – it’s a smart opportunity to modernize payment methods, expand business, and stay ahead of evolving client expectations.
Meet the demand and drive growth
If your luxury brand is exploring crypto payments, HBL’s journey shows just how easy yet impactful it can be – with the right partner.
Swapin offers an easy, compliant way for businesses to accept crypto payments from clients and receive direct EUR payouts to their bank account – no wallets, no complex integration, no volatility.
Start accepting crypto payments today – book a free call with our team here.
Have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].
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