Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

Stablecoins

Stablecoins
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reference asset, typically backed by fiat currency such as the US dollar, offering a less volatile alternative to other digital assets.
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Yuan

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

videocam
10
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | To be the world No 2 financial centre, Hong Kong must be a rule maker

videocam
Banking & finance

Open Questions | Euro, yuan unlikely to match US dollar, Daniel Gros says

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong’s stablecoin roll-out puts banks at the centre of digital money

Hong Kong is building a bank-led digital money system, not a cryptocurrency free-for-all.

videocam
Bank and commercial buildings dot the skyline in Hong Kong’s Central business district in 2020. Photo: Sun Yeung
Cryptocurrency

Hong Kong lawmaker swipes at US lack of ‘clarity’ as city eyes crypto lead

Hong Kong has granted its first two licences for stablecoin issuers, and is pushing forward regulations on crypto dealers and custodians.

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Fintech

How PayMe’s 3.3 million users and Hong Kong firms could start using stablecoins

HSBC eyes retail stablecoin roll-out via PayMe in second half of 2026, as Standard Chartered-led joint venture focuses on institutions first.

9
HSBC is looking to introduce stablecoins by integrating them into its popular PayMe app. Photo: Jonathan Wong
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.

Fintech

HSBC, StanChart-led group among first to get stablecoin licences in Hong Kong

HSBC will launch its Hong Kong dollar stablecoin in the second half of this year, integrating it into its PayMe and mobile banking platforms.

videocam
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.

A visitor displays a cup of coffee purchased with China’s digital yuan, or the e-CNY, at the Digital China Summit in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, on April 26, 2023. Photo: Xinhua
Banking & finance

Editorial | Stablecoin launch delay shows Hong Kong would rather be safe than sorry

Given the complexity involved, it’s wise not to rush to meet any self-imposed deadline but to make sure a good framework is in place first.

Hong Kong plans to be a digital asset hub with stablecoins playing a key role. Photo: Shutterstock
Banking & finance

Hong Kong’s anticipated stablecoin licence by end-March does not materialise

Analysts say the delay is most likely administrative and that the overall plan is still on track.

videocam
Yuan

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

videocam
10
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.

videocam
Illustration: Henry Wong
Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

With its regulatory clarity and superconnector edge, the city is drawing global crypto firms as it emerges as a premier Web3 hub.

videocam
Illustration by Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

US-China split on digital money deepens as stablecoin debate stalls Clarity Act

Crypto push for yield clashes with banks, slowing US legislation as China advances interest-bearing e-CNY on a different path.

Fintech

Exclusive | HSBC, Standard Chartered tipped to win Hong Kong stablecoin licences in 2 weeks

The approvals would mark a milestone in Hong Kong’s push to regulate stablecoins while positioning itself as a global digital asset centre.

4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong’s virtual asset sector considered for taxation under policy review

Latest budget announces new government committee to be tasked with reviewing Hong Kong’s tax policies.

videocam
A pedestrian passes in front of a currency mural on a shop’s gate in Hong Kong. Photo: Antony Dickson
Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong seeks to hone edge as offshore yuan hub, digital-asset front runner

Market participants largely welcome Paul Chan’s renewed push to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: should the coming blueprint boost yuan’s global push?

Experts say Hong Kong has ‘distinct advantages’ that can support the country’s financial development amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Fintech

Can Hong Kong lead a digital gold trading revolution with blockchain innovation?

Beyond banks, asset managers, fintechs and crypto firms are racing to launch innovative tokenised gold products for investors.

Tokenised gold is giving investors a new way to hold the metal, easing pain points around access, custody, transfer and trading. Photo: Shutterstock
Banking & finance

Hong Kong bridges traditional, digital finance with new virtual asset initiatives

The first initiative will allow licensed virtual asset brokers to offer margin financing to clients with strong credit profiles.

Hong Kong’s SFC unveiled new initiatives on Wednesday aimed at further developing the city’s virtual asset sector. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Cryptocurrency

Consensus 2026 kicks off in Hong Kong amid tighter Beijing oversight

Organised by CoinDesk, the event is an important gathering for digital finance and cryptocurrency professionals.

Yuan

China keen to realise ambitions for digital currency amid slow uptake

Despite record transactions last year, most users prefer alternatives – while Beijing likely to maintain gradual expansion, analysts say.

Cryptocurrency

Scams and outflows: why China slammed the door on real-world asset tokens

Beijing’s clampdown aims to help safeguard financial security and monetary sovereignty while leaving room for regulated fintech innovation in Hong Kong.

Stablecoins represent the most widely adopted use case for real-world assets on blockchains. Photo: Shutterstock
Cryptocurrency

China tightens crypto crackdown with onshore RWA tokenisation ban

Domestic entities, as well as offshore entities under their control, cannot issue virtual currencies overseas without approval.

The notice also said that no entities can issue yuan-pegged offshore stablecoins without approval. Photo: Shutterstock Images
China stock market

Stocks fall, Xi-Trump-Putin calls, Japan election

This week: Chinese and Hong Kong stocks tumble in global sell-off, Xi speaks with Trump and Putin, CK Hutchison pursues arbitration after losing Panama ports case. Next week: Japan voters head to the polls on Sunday, world leaders attend the Munich Security Conference, January inflation figures come out and more.

US-China trade war

US Treasury chief warns of China’s push for digital asset dominance

Scott Bessent tells senators the US must pass the Clarity Act to counter Hong Kong’s ‘sandbox’ and maintain global financial leadership.

videocam
12
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement