The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has granted HSBC and Standard Chartered Group the first licenses under the territory’s Stablecoins Ordinance, which took effect in August 2025. The approvals mark a regulatory milestone that could accelerate bank-led stablecoin activity in the region.
Hong Kong’s new regulations widen police access to encrypted devices, raising alarms among travelers and cryptocurrency users. Privacy advocates warn the move could put self-custody and cross-border data security at risk.
Hong Kong authorities charged ten people over money laundering and conspiracy in the JPEX cryptocurrency scandal, bringing the total number of defendants to 26 as the probe continues with international assistance.
A 66-year-old Hong Kong retiree was defrauded three times over six months by people posing as crypto investment experts, losing about $840K. Police say the scammers promised quick profits and help recovering earlier losses.
Hong Kong has published its first list of applicants shortlisted for stablecoin licences, with HSBC, Anchorpoint (a Standard Chartered–backed JV) and OSL Group reportedly among the three names. The move signals regulatory progress toward licensed onshore stablecoin issuance.
The HKMA and mainland Chinese regulators announced a cross-border blockchain platform to link cargo logistics data with electronic bills of lading, aiming to cut paperwork and friction in trade finance. The move signals stronger regulatory coordination to integrate Chinese supply chains with global markets.
Hong Kong’s 2026–27 Budget proposes mandatory licensing for crypto dealers and custodians and updates to tax rules for digital-asset activities. The measures aim to strengthen oversight and clarify obligations for individuals and institutions.
On Feb. 15, 2026 Hong Kong announced a new package of crypto regulations and a stablecoin licensing framework designed to bolster the city's digital-asset sector and attract business.
Analytics firm 10x Research says market participants are speculating that a multi‑billion‑dollar Hong Kong hedge fund has collapsed after recent Bitcoin losses. The report warns the situation could increase volatility and contagion risk across crypto markets.
At Accelerate APAC, Solana emphasized tokenization, payments, ETFs, stablecoins and AI infrastructure, urging the ecosystem to move beyond memecoin mania toward building the internet’s capital markets.