Hong Kong Publishes First Licensed Stablecoin Issuers List
Hong Kong is moving closer to issuing its first regulated stablecoins after local media reported that HSBC, Anchorpoint — a joint venture backed by Standard Chartered — and OSL Group are among three applicants shortlisted for licences. The publication of the shortlist follows the territory’s framework for stablecoin regulation and marks a visible step toward approving licensed issuers. The development matters because licensed stablecoins could accelerate institutional participation, onshore digital payment rails and cross-border settlement flows, while offering clearer compliance pathways for banks and crypto firms. Final approvals and licence conditions are still pending, but the shortlist underscores Hong Kong’s intent to compete for regional stablecoin issuance and to bring trusted financial players into a regulated digital-asset ecosystem.