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Blockchain

Blockchain
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Blockchain. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A person uses an ATM at a bank branch in Mong Kok. Photo: Eugene Lee
Banking & finance

Why Hong Kong banks have shut down 40% of branches in recent years

With the ability to transfer funds at 2am and AI to help plan investments, branches on every corner no longer make sense, local bankers say.

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Hong Kong society

Why Chelsea football shirts are making Hong Kong fans nervous about crypto laws

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Banking & finance

Gotta monetise ’em all: inside Hong Kong’s red-hot Pokemon card trading market

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Bitcoin

Bitcoin tops US$80,000 for first time since May as US moves boost crypto

Washington’s buy-back efforts for US debt, cryptocurrency policy support credited for 25 per cent rally.

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Bitcoin has topped US$80,000 for the first time since May. Photo: Korea Times
Artificial intelligence

Shanghai lays out digital economy plan to catch up with Beijing, Shenzhen

Government to accelerate use of blockchain, build AI infrastructure in line with national mandate to boost digital contribution to GDP.

Crime in Hong Kong

Paraguay opens probe into Hong Kong-born crypto exec’s death

Experts warn of violent extortion of crypto holders, while Paraguay authorities say all hypotheses remain open in death of Harry Yeh.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong stablecoin list expands with Standard Chartered-led firm’s launch

Anchorpoint Financial kicks off institutional use of its Hong Kong dollar-linked stablecoin, HKDAP.

Retail use of the regulated cryptocurrency is expected as early as the end of the year, according to Anchorpoint Financial. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Ant Group

Ant Group spin-offs pursue independent growth with strategic capital moves

The Chinese fintech giant’s three spin-off units are accelerating their capital-raising efforts after gaining operational autonomy in 2024.

Malaysia

Malaysia crypto event drops Ms Pui Yi after backlash over adult-content past

The influencer and DJ was removed from the line-up after questions were raised over government branding associated with the event.

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Banking & finance

Chinese bank touts digital currency platform’s largest transfers yet

Bank of China uses mBridge for two cross-border transfers worth more than US$1.7 billion each, as CBDC platform gathers momentum.

By late June, total cumulative transactions on mBridge passed 600 billion yuan (US$88.6 billion). Photo: Shutterstock Images
Hong Kong

Hong Kong steps up its crypto hub challenge with tokenised fund

As the city looks to challenge the US as a global crypto hub, Baillie Gifford says the SFC has approved its blockchain-based tokenised fund.

British fund manager Baille Gifford says it has received approval from the Securities and Futures Commission to issue the city's first blockchain-based tokenised fund. Photo: Shutterstock
Style Edit

Style Edit: Prada’s Couleur Vivante collection by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons

The fine jewellery collection designed by the brand’s co-creative directors plays with unexpected pairs of gemstones, including aquamarine, amethyst, Madeira citrine, pink morganite and peridot.

China economy

Opinion | When and how will China ease capital controls?

While China has reasons to maintain capital controls, the recent crackdown on three Hong Kong brokerages is not meant to discourage mainland outbound investment.

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China’s private sector

Natural diamond firms turn to blockchain traceability amid lab-grown competition

The Gemological Institute of America is set to acquire a stake in Tracr, which has developed a blockchain platform to trace diamond origin.

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A collection of rough and polished diamonds. Photo: Handout
Banking & finance

Hong Kong taps group of experts to help rewrite rules for tokenised bonds

HKMA sets up the collective, spanning 21 institutions, in push to expand blockchain-based issuance beyond government pilots.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) logo in IFC Two. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Gold in Hong Kong

Low-cost gold ETF launched as Hong Kong links bullion trading with blockchain

New fund gives retail investors physical gold access from US$45, with tokenised design primed for future trading on regulated platforms.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong minister touts gold as ‘bridge between conventional and new finance’

Treasury chief Christopher Hui also says city opted against separate regulatory authority for digital assets to support ‘convergence’.

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Art

Are NFTs the hero or villain in the contemporary art scene?

In March, Art Basel Hong Kong featured a dedicated space for digital practices, raising the question: what’s next for non-fungible tokens?

The financial hype behind NFTs may have evaporated, but blockchain technology still has many applications. Photo: Josh Ye
United States

Trump family’s crypto project sues billionaire backer Justin Sun

The Trumps’ World Liberty Financial accused Sun of launching a ‘public smear campaign’.

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Cryptocurrency

Hong Kong a key global hub for USDC cross-border payments: Circle CEO

Circle recently announced a partnership with Hong Kong-listed OSL Group to expand USDC offerings in the city.

North Korea

North Korea’s Lazarus suspected of stealing US$290 million from KelpDAO

Ethereum was ‘drained’ from KelpDAO in the biggest known cryptocurrency heist so far this year.

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A physical imitation of an Ethereum cryptocurrency token. Photo: AFP
Artificial intelligence

Crypto industry sees AI-driven agent economy as next growth driver

Experts gather in Hong Kong for Web3 Festival as firm predicts AI agents could facilitate up to US$5 trillion in global crypto sales by 2030.

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Experts gathered at the Web3 Festival in Hong Kong predict AI agents will lead the next leap in global finance with crypto, while how we interact with blockchain is likely to change indefinitely. Photo: AFP/Getty/TNS
China digital currency

Hong Kong seen leading Asia in push to scale stablecoins, HSBC says

Interoperability and real-world applications seen as key hurdles as city looks to unlock tokenisation’s full potential.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong, mainland China sign ‘milestone’ MOU on promoting digital economy

Memorandum of understanding covers topics including AI promotion, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain.

Banking & finance

Calls grow for HKMA to go further on stablecoins after conservative first batch

Analysts and investors say the HKMA’s cautious approach prioritises risk control, but limits Hong Kong’s digital asset ambitions.

Analysts say the HKMA has prioritised risk management , even as it seeks to promote financial innovation through stablecoins. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Banking & finance

As France pulls gold from the US, how can China become the next global gold hub?

Federal Reserve is no longer seen as a ‘safe’ place for nations to store gold as Trump’s unpredictability spooks the world’s central banks.

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Five-tael (190 grams or 6.65 ounces) gold bars are seen at a jewellery store in Hong Kong as China is urged to become a global gold hub as Trump’s instability spooks central banks worldwide. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong is not competing with US stablecoins or the digital renminbi

Readers discuss the city’s stablecoin ambitions, the use of e-payments, and the role eHealth could play in stroke prevention.

Banking & finance

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

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