Hong Kong Announces Stablecoin Ordinance Start Date

TLDR

• Stablecoin Ordinance effective from August 1, 2025.
• HKMA will oversee licensing of stablecoin issuers.
• Regulatory clarity may boost institutional engagement in stablecoins.

Hong Kong has officially announced the commencement date for its Stablecoin Ordinance, marking a crucial step forward in digital asset regulation within the region. The ordinance is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and aims to bring structured regulation to stablecoin activities across Hong Kong.

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau leads this initiative, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) serving as the main body for implementing and supervising the new regime. This regulatory move places Hong Kong at the forefront of stablecoin regulation in Asia.

Regulatory Framework and Key Entities Involved

The ordinance introduces a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers, which is expected to provide safeguards for relevant activities in Hong Kong’s digital asset landscape. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr. Christopher Hui, stated that this regime would ensure suitable guardrails for stablecoin activities, promoting sustainable development.¹

The HKMA, acting as Hong Kong’s de facto central bank, will handle the licensing and oversight of stablecoin issuers. This institution has prior experience overseeing various digital asset pilot programs. The Legislative Council will review the ordinance during its June 11, 2025, session.⁴

Impact on Stablecoin Issuers and Related Assets

The ordinance will directly impact HKD-pegged stablecoins and potentially major players like USDT and USDC, which may seek to operate or market within Hong Kong. While Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) remain unaffected in terms of regulation, stablecoin protocols involved with these assets must acquire licenses for operating in Hong Kong.²

Affected entities must adhere to compliance regulations, potentially resulting in increased costs. However, regulatory clarity could drive larger institutions to engage more deeply with stablecoin projects due to enhanced confidence in the legal framework.³

Institutional and Market Reactions

The introduction of the ordinance does not come with direct funding or grants for stablecoin projects. Its primary intent lies in solidifying licensing and supervision rules. As more entities seek licenses, there is anticipation of a potential increase in institutional-grade stablecoin offerings in Hong Kong. This could contribute to shifts in trading volumes and market confidence.⁵

The government has indicated that professional investors can purchase specific stablecoins before the full licensing is completed, suggesting a phased implementation approach. This regulatory clarity echoes past efforts, such as the 2023 VASP licensing regime in Hong Kong, and similar international frameworks like New York’s BitLicense.