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Hong Kong’s new stablecoin law demands full backing by cash or government bonds only.
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No more empty promises: stablecoins must be 100% backed by reliable, real-world assets.
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The law takes effect August 1, creating a safer digital asset system for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong government has just approved a set of rules that will make sure every stablecoin in the city is backed by real money, like cash in the bank or government bonds. This means no more risky promises or unclear deals—just a clear, safe way to handle digital dollars.
Here’s what it’s all about!
Hong Kong’s New Stablecoin Rules
While the U.S. and Europe are still talking about how to regulate stablecoins, now worth over $250 billion around the world. Hong Kong plans to launch its own Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin could make cross-border payments much easier.
The new rules, passed in May, don’t just cover the basics. They demand that companies prove their coins are fully backed by solid money in the bank, like cash or government bonds.
No risky promises, no half-truths—just real money behind every digital token. This is a major shift from the free-for-all world that stablecoins have lived in until now.
But Hong Kong isn’t just doing this for safety’s sake. It’s also about giving smaller businesses new ways to pay and get paid quickly.
Law Takes Effect in August
The new stablecoin law, which was passed by the Legislative Council on May 21, is set to officially take effect on August 1. Treasury chief Christopher Hui Ching-yu called the launch of the law “a milestone” that will help Hong Kong build a safer and more sustainable digital asset system.
Under these rules, only licensed firms will be able to issue stablecoins tied to the Hong Kong dollar or any other fiat currency within the city.
Big Companies Join In
Hong Kong is starting its stablecoin system with big names like Standard Chartered and JD.com’s Coinlink, and other major players. The government says this first batch will be watched closely to make sure everything works smoothly.
Vivien Wong from Hashkey Capital says more companies want to join, but they must meet strict standards.
For small businesses, this could mean faster and cheaper cross-border payments, helping them trade more easily with nearby regions like southern China.