Hong Kong seeks fast regulatory action on stablecoins

According to the local news outlet The Standard, Hong Kong is making strides in creating a clear framework for stablecoins pegged to traditional financial assets.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) aims to introduce the proposed comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins within 18 months.

Stablecoin regulatory progression

With Hong Kong’s progressive approach to stablecoin regulations, the city stands out as a more welcoming environment for cryptocurrencies, potentially attracting market participants from countries like the U.S. with more stringent regulations

According to TechCrunch, stablecoins must always be fully backed by high-quality, high-liquidity assets, and algorithmically stabilized tokens like UST would not be accepted. The full paper is available on the HKMA website.

This rapid approach to regulating stablecoins has the potential to impact the global cryptocurrency landscape, as it offers a robust and transparent legal framework that could serve as a precedent for other jurisdictions.

The move aligns with the city’s overall financial direction, as Hong Kong has seen a dramatic increase in fintech companies over the past five years. The government is also working on expanding its faster payment system to more industries in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand, according to The Standard.

Undersecretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan Ho-lim told the local news media;

“The HKMA is working with the Bank of Thailand to develop the faster payment system, and focuses on the development of Web 3.0 in Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong: China’s crypto “test bed”

Hong Kong is emerging as a “test bed” for crypto regulation in the region, as Jason Fang from Sora Ventures has mentioned on numerous CryptoSlate podcasts.

Concurrently, the “Beijing Internet 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023),” released in May, highlights a commitment to Web3 and Metaverse innovations, with the Chaoyang District investing 100 million yuan annually to support the web3 industry ecosystem.

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced a new crypto regulation framework earlier this year, with requirements for virtual asset providers similar to traditional financial institutions. This framework went live on June 1, resulting in fears that there will not be enough talent in the region to cover the demand, resulting in a 100,000 shortfall in qualified labor.

As Hong Kong aims to become a hub for crypto innovation, the Hong Kong Securities and Future Commission (SFC) is attempting to alleviate the labor shortfall by easing responsible officer (RO) requirements for crypto exchanges due to a shortage of experienced ROs in the sector.

Stablecoin framework impact

Developing a stablecoin regulatory framework also aligns with Hong Kong’s focus on Web3 and green technology, as the administration plans to expedite the city’s transformation into a global green technology and financial center.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-Lun told The Standard,

“The administration will accelerate the development of Hong Kong as an international green technology and financial center by cooperating with financial regulators and the sector in climate information disclosure and carbon market training.”

The future of stablecoins in Hong Kong appears progressive, as the city aims to establish a clear, comprehensive, and risk-based approach to regulating this emerging asset class.

As Hong Kong continues positioning itself as a global fintech hub, the stablecoin regulatory framework could be pivotal in shaping the global digital financial landscape.