Hong Kong’s financial authorities reaffirm that no stablecoin licenses have been granted amid China's ongoing digital yuan projects and expansion of cross-border digital payment systems, signalling a cautious but strategic approach to digital asset regulation.
Hong Kong’s financial authorities, led by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), have explicitly clarified that they have not issued any licenses for stablecoins pegged to the offshore yuan, contrary to recent media reports. This clarification followed the announcement by AnchorX, a local fintech firm, of its plans to launch AxCNH, a stablecoin designed to facilitate cross-border transactions with offshore Chinese companies along the Belt and Road. The HKMA emphasized that under Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance, which took effect on August 1, 2025, no licenses have yet been granted for stablecoin issuers, and any claims suggesting regulatory approval are unfounded under current law.
This stance aligns with Hong Kong’s broader approach to establishing a rigorous legal framework for digital asset regulation. The HKMA, together with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued warnings to investors regarding the risks associated with unlicensed stablecoin projects and market scams. Julia Leung, the SFC CEO, specifically cautioned investors against projects that promote misleading expectations of short-term gains and urged caution when encountering exaggerated claims on social media platforms.
Looking forward, the HKMA expects only a limited number of licenses to be issued following the full implementation of the Stablecoin Ordinance. The regulation imposes strict capital, liquidity, and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, which have discouraged many smaller companies from pursuing licensing. Industry insiders note that many small firms are now awaiting large players like Alibaba’s Ant Group and JD.com to complete their own approval processes before considering applying. Eddie Yue, HKMA’s Chief Executive, has previously indicated that the high compliance standards will likely limit license issuances to only a few firms, leading many hopeful applicants to face disappointment. Nonetheless, some industry leaders view Hong Kong’s approach as establishing one of the safest regulatory environments for stablecoins in Asia, potentially setting a model for regional standards. Yat Siu, founder of Animoca Brands, highlighted that the city’s licensing framework, backed by the central bank, is a 'blueprint' that could influence other jurisdictions. His firm recently partnered with Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecom to form Anchorpoint, a joint venture aiming to issue a stablecoin in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, on the mainland, China continues advancing its digital currency initiatives through the People’s Bank of China (PBoC). The central bank recently launched a new operations center in Shanghai focused on cross-border payments and blockchain services as part of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) efforts. The center aims to promote the internationalization of the digital yuan and enhance China’s influence within the global financial system. It has developed new platforms targeting blockchain services, cross-border digital payments, and digital assets. Deputy Governor Lu Lei mentioned that the PBoC has already developed a cross-border payments system leveraging the digital yuan and is collaborating with BRICS countries and regional partners like Thailand and the UAE through initiatives such as mBridge. Experts suggest that China’s main focus remains on domestic use of the CBDC while working on yuan-pegged stablecoins to support offshore transactions.
Overall, Hong Kong’s cautious yet proactive regulatory stance reflects its ambition to become a leading global financial hub that emphasizes safety and compliance in digital assets. By establishing a clear and stringent legal environment, the city aims to foster investor confidence and create a secure platform for innovative financial services. This balanced approach contrasts with less regulated markets and positions Hong Kong as a reliable gateway for digital finance development across Asia.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://coingeek.com/hong-kong-no-offshore-yuan-stablecoin-has-been-approved/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/07/20250729-4/ - On 29 July 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced the implementation of a regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers, effective from 1 August 2025. The HKMA emphasized that no licenses had been issued at that time and advised the public to exercise caution regarding unlicensed stablecoin projects. The announcement highlighted the HKMA's commitment to ensuring a robust and sustainable development of stablecoins in Hong Kong, aligning with the city's goal to enhance its status as an international financial centre. The HKMA also provided guidance on the licensing process and requirements for potential applicants.
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/insight/2025/07/20250723/ - In a statement dated 23 July 2025, HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue addressed the development of stablecoins, urging investors to remain cautious amid 'positive' market news. He highlighted the risks associated with fraudulent activities under the guise of promoting digital assets and stablecoins, which have led to public losses. The HKMA emphasized the importance of the upcoming Stablecoins Ordinance, set to take effect on 1 August 2025, which will make it illegal to offer unlicensed fiat-referenced stablecoins to retail investors in Hong Kong. The statement served as a reminder for the public to stay vigilant and avoid inadvertently violating the law.
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/08/20250814-8/ - On 14 August 2025, the HKMA and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a joint statement addressing recent market movements related to stablecoins. The statement noted abrupt market fluctuations following corporate announcements and speculations about plans to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong. The HKMA reiterated its rigorous approach in assessing applications, emphasizing that only a handful of licenses would be granted initially. Both the HKMA and SFC cautioned investors to be wary of misleading claims and to conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/07/20250729-4/ - On 29 July 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced the implementation of a regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers, effective from 1 August 2025. The HKMA emphasized that no licenses had been issued at that time and advised the public to exercise caution regarding unlicensed stablecoin projects. The announcement highlighted the HKMA's commitment to ensuring a robust and sustainable development of stablecoins in Hong Kong, aligning with the city's goal to enhance its status as an international financial centre. The HKMA also provided guidance on the licensing process and requirements for potential applicants.
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/insight/2025/06/20250623/ - In a statement dated 23 June 2025, HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue addressed the development of stablecoins, urging investors to remain cautious amid 'positive' market news. He highlighted the risks associated with fraudulent activities under the guise of promoting digital assets and stablecoins, which have led to public losses. The HKMA emphasized the importance of the upcoming Stablecoins Ordinance, set to take effect on 1 August 2025, which will make it illegal to offer unlicensed fiat-referenced stablecoins to retail investors in Hong Kong. The statement served as a reminder for the public to stay vigilant and avoid inadvertently violating the law.
- https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/08/20250814-8/ - On 14 August 2025, the HKMA and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a joint statement addressing recent market movements related to stablecoins. The statement noted abrupt market fluctuations following corporate announcements and speculations about plans to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong. The HKMA reiterated its rigorous approach in assessing applications, emphasizing that only a handful of licenses would be granted initially. Both the HKMA and SFC cautioned investors to be wary of misleading claims and to conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 10
Notes: The report is current, dated October 3, 2025, and addresses recent developments regarding Hong Kong's stance on offshore yuan stablecoins.
Quotes check
Score: 10
Notes: The report includes direct quotes from HKMA officials, with no evidence of identical quotes appearing in earlier material.
Source reliability
Score: 8
Notes: The report originates from CoinGeek, a cryptocurrency-focused news outlet. While it provides detailed information, its credibility may be questioned due to its niche focus.
Plausability check
Score: 9
Notes: The claims align with recent statements from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) regarding the issuance of stablecoin licenses. (hkma.gov.hk)
Overall assessment
Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary: The report provides timely information on HKMA's denial of offshore yuan stablecoin approvals, supported by direct quotes and consistent with recent HKMA statements. However, the source's niche focus may affect its reliability, warranting further verification from additional reputable outlets.