The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the launch of the second phase of the pilot of its CBDC, the digital Hong Kong dollar (e-HKD). This new phase will focus on furthering the research on already examined use cases for the currency, including programmability and tokenization, and adding new, not previously explored use cases. Hong Kong […]
Hong Kong Securities Regulator Issues Warning Against ‘Unlicensed’ Crypto Platform Bybit
The Hong Kong securities regulator has labelled the crypto platform Bybit an unlicensed virtual asset trading platform (VATP). The regulator has also added Bybit’s products to its alert list of suspicious investment products. The Hong Kong regulator also advised the public to stop patronizing unlicensed entities. Regulator Threatens Enforcement Action The Hong Kong Securities and […]
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Launches Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox
On March 12, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) launched what is known as the stablecoin issuer sandbox arrangement. The HKMA stated that applicants interested in establishing a stablecoin business in Hong Kong should have a sound business plan. The regulator also clarified that admission into the sandbox does not imply endorsement or support for […]
Crypto Industry Players in Hong Kong Call for Swift Approval of Bitcoin ETFs
Authorities in Hong Kong have been urged to approve spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in order to cement the region’s position as the financial hub of Asia. Industry participants believe that launching this ahead of the U.S. will enhance Hong Kong’s status in the global cryptocurrency market. Approving Spot Ethereum ETFs Ahead the U.S. Players in […]
Hong Kong Launches Project Ensemble, a Wholesale CBDC and Tokenized Deposits Initiative
The government of Hong Kong has announced Project Ensemble, an initiative that will test the functionality of a wholesale central bank digital currency (WCBDC) and the movement of tokenized deposits. If there is “sufficient interest” in the project, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) will conduct a live issuance of the WCBDC in the future. […]