Two major international banks, HSBC and Standard Chartered, are expected to receive some of the first stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong. The move would mark an important step in Hong Kong’s effort to build a regulated digital-asset ecosystem.
Hong Kong moves to regulated stablecoins.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has set up a new system for giving out the licenses. The Stablecoin Ordinance was passed by the regulator in 2025. It says that businesses must get official permission before issuing stablecoins that are backed by fiat currency. According to reports, the first approvals could be granted within the next few weeks.
Hong Kong regulators plan to issue only a small number of licenses in the initial round. Authorities reportedly reviewed dozens of applications before selecting potential issuers. Sources say around 36 companies initially expressed interest in applying for stablecoin licenses. HSBC’s potential approval is particularly notable because the bank did not participate in the HKMA’s earlier stablecoin sandbox program, which was designed to test projects before formal licensing.
The licensing process shows that Hong Kong wants to attract crypto businesses while still keeping strict rules. The government wants to protect investors while also encouraging new ideas. More and more, traditional banks are looking into blockchain-based payment systems to speed up international payments.
Many traditional banks are looking into blockchain technology to make payments and settling debts faster. If they get the green light, HSBC and Standard Chartered could help bring regulated stablecoins into the world of finance. This could make it easier for banks and people all over the world to use blockchain technology.
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