# Licensing Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Licensing", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

$129B Crypto Maze: Russian Authorities Lose Sight Of Massive Annual Flows

Russian authorities report that the country's crypto market is far larger than previously estimated, with daily turnover reaching around 50 billion rubles—totaling over 10 trillion rubles (approximately $129 billion) annually. Much of this activity occurs outside formal oversight, creating a significant regulatory blind spot. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov and central bank officials acknowledge the urgent need for clearer regulations to monitor these massive flows. The central bank, once supportive of a ban, now proposes a licensing system with limits—capping non-qualified investors at 300,000 rubles annually and banning privacy coins. The goal is also to prevent crypto from being used to evade sanctions. Regulators aim to bring crypto into supervised systems, but it remains uncertain whether new rules will increase transparency or push activity further underground.

bitcoinistYesterday 12:21

$129B Crypto Maze: Russian Authorities Lose Sight Of Massive Annual Flows

bitcoinistYesterday 12:21

China Tightens Crypto Ban; Hong Kong To Still Proceed With Its Plan

China has intensified its ban on cryptocurrency activities, with eight authorities led by the central bank issuing a joint notice reaffirming that crypto-related businesses are illegal. The policy expands scrutiny to offshore offerings and overseas activities by domestic entities, explicitly prohibiting the issuance of renminbi-pegged stablecoins abroad. While tokenization of real-world assets is acknowledged under regulated conditions, all digital finance activities must operate within state-approved systems. In contrast, Hong Kong plans to proceed with issuing stablecoin licenses by March, reviewing 36 applications, a move analysts view as a strategic hedge rather than a reversal of Beijing’s stance.

TheNewsCrypto02/11 07:19

China Tightens Crypto Ban; Hong Kong To Still Proceed With Its Plan

TheNewsCrypto02/11 07:19

Story Protocol Delays Token Unlock to August as Team Focuses on Long-Term Growth

Story Protocol, a project focused on tokenizing media and creative content, has delayed its first major token unlock by six months to August. According to co-founder S.Y. Lee, the move prevents insiders from selling tokens and gives the project more time to build real usage before new supply enters the market. Lee addressed investor concerns over the network’s current lack of fee revenue, explaining that Story is not a typical trading platform. Instead, it aims to generate revenue through business licensing agreements, particularly with AI companies, by providing legally compliant data such as voice, video, and human-made content. The decision to postpone the token unlock is intended to avoid selling pressure and allow more time to develop data markets and attract AI firms. Lee cited Worldcoin’s similar strategy as a positive precedent.

TheNewsCrypto02/09 11:41

Story Protocol Delays Token Unlock to August as Team Focuses on Long-Term Growth

TheNewsCrypto02/09 11:41

Singapore's Regulatory Landscape Revealed: The Top Choice for Global Crypto Institutions 'Going Abroad' (Part 1)

Singapore is emerging as a global hub for cryptocurrency institutions, driven by its systematic regulatory framework established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Key legislation includes the Payment Services Act (PSA), which regulates digital payment tokens (DPTs) and requires licensing for related services, and the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA), extending oversight to entities based in Singapore serving overseas clients. Core licenses include the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license for DPT services and the Digital Token Service Provider (DTSP) license for cross-border operations. As of now, MAS has granted MPI licenses to 36 international institutions, with strict compliance requirements ensuring financial stability and consumer protection. The regulatory approach emphasizes clarity, risk management, and anti-money laundering measures, positioning Singapore as a preferred jurisdiction for crypto businesses compared to fragmented regimes like the U.S. or high-cost environments like Europe. The article also highlights partnerships between licensed entities and local institutions, such as DBS Bank, in advancing stablecoin and digital payment solutions.

比推02/04 07:13

Singapore's Regulatory Landscape Revealed: The Top Choice for Global Crypto Institutions 'Going Abroad' (Part 1)

比推02/04 07:13

Ripple Just Secured Another Major Win In Its Mission For Powering Global Payments With XRP

Ripple has secured a full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Luxembourg, granted by the country's financial regulator, the CSSF. This license allows Ripple to provide crypto-focused payment services within Luxembourg and strengthens its expansion across the European Union. The company's Managing Director for the UK and Europe described the achievement as transformative, enabling Ripple to support European businesses in adopting efficient, digital-first financial models using blockchain and XRP. This milestone is part of Ripple's broader global regulatory growth, which includes over 75 licenses worldwide, such as recent approvals from the UK's FCA.

bitcoinist02/03 22:02

Ripple Just Secured Another Major Win In Its Mission For Powering Global Payments With XRP

bitcoinist02/03 22:02

RWA Weekly Report｜Asset Holders Surge by 26%; White House Convenes Crypto Companies and Banks to Discuss Stablecoin Yield Issues (1.28-2.3)

RWA Weekly Report: Asset Holders Surge 26%; White House Meets with Crypto Firms and Banks on Stablecoin Rewards (Jan 28 - Feb 3) The total on-chain value of Distributed Real-World Assets (RWA) reached $23.96 billion, a weekly increase of 3.14%. The broader Represented Asset Value saw a significant adjustment, dropping 43.86% to $199.44 billion, likely due to a change in statistical methodology. A key highlight was the 26.52% surge in total asset holders, adding over 174,000 new participants. The stablecoin market also grew, with its total market cap rising 4.64% to $310.15 billion. Structurally, U.S. Treasuries remained the largest component at $9.6 billion, though it saw a slight decrease. Commodities were the strongest-growing asset class, up 9.09% to $4.8 billion. Private credit expanded by 8% to $2.7 billion. A major development was a closed-door meeting at the White House, convening crypto industry representatives (including Coinbase) and banking organizations to discuss the contentious issue of stablecoin rewards. The core disagreement lies in whether third-party platforms should be allowed to offer yields to stablecoin holders, a practice banks oppose for fear of draining deposits. Other significant events included: - The SEC and CFTC launching "Project Crypto" to create a unified regulatory framework. - Hong Kong’s monetary authority receiving 36 stablecoin license applications, with the first batch to be issued in March. - The UK launching an inquiry into stablecoin growth and its proposed regulatory regime. - Binance announcing it will convert the entire $1 billion in its SAFU insurance fund from stablecoins to Bitcoin. - Tether reporting 2025 net profits exceeding $10 billion. Key projects like Ondo Finance (ONDO) and MSX (STONKS) continued to expand, with Ondo’s USDY tokenized treasury product launching on the Sei network and its Total Value Locked (TVL) surpassing $2.5 billion.

Odaily星球日报02/03 13:31

RWA Weekly Report｜Asset Holders Surge by 26%; White House Convenes Crypto Companies and Banks to Discuss Stablecoin Yield Issues (1.28-2.3)

Odaily星球日报02/03 13:31

Hong Kong Prepares To Grant Limited Batch Of Stablecoin Licenses In March – Report

Hong Kong's financial authorities, led by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), are preparing to issue the first limited batch of stablecoin issuer licenses in March. Chief Executive Eddie Yue confirmed that a "very small number" of licenses will be granted after the review process for applications nears completion. Over 30 companies, including Ant Group's overseas arm, have applied since the Stablecoins Ordinance was enacted in August, requiring any issuer of fiat-referenced stablecoins in Hong Kong to be licensed. The HKMA is focusing on use cases, risk management, AML measures, and asset backing. This move is part of Hong Kong's broader strategy to become a regulated global crypto hub, despite potential challenges from mainland China's strict stance against stablecoins.

bitcoinist02/03 12:05

Hong Kong Prepares To Grant Limited Batch Of Stablecoin Licenses In March – Report

bitcoinist02/03 12:05

Hong Kong Targets March for First Stablecoin Licenses, Few Expected

Hong Kong's banking regulator, the HKMA, expects to issue its first batch of stablecoin licenses in March, with only a "very small number" of issuers approved initially. This marks a shift from consultation and sandbox testing to a regulated market. The licensing assessments focus on use cases, risk controls, anti-money laundering safeguards, and reserve backing models. The move follows the passage of Hong Kong's stablecoin bill in May 2025, which established a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers. Early licensed issuers may include entities like Standard Chartered Bank, Animoca Brands, and Hong Kong Telecommunications. The limited initial approvals could quickly shape market structure and integration with regulated financial partners.

ccn.com02/02 09:05

Hong Kong Targets March for First Stablecoin Licenses, Few Expected

ccn.com02/02 09:05

‘Stablecoin ordinance has taken effect’ – Hong Kong pushes for crypto regulation

Hong Kong has activated a licensing regime for fiat-backed stablecoin issuers, with the Stablecoin Ordinance taking effect in August. Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui stated that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is currently processing license applications. The government views crypto as a "new growth area" to strengthen the city’s status as an international financial hub. Regulatory details for trading platforms, custody services, and advisory providers are being developed, alongside enhanced anti-money laundering measures. The first approved issuers are expected in Q1 2026. Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized the need for strong safeguards to protect investors and ensure market stability, aligning with global regulatory trends like those in the U.S. and U.K.

ambcrypto02/01 03:02

‘Stablecoin ordinance has taken effect’ – Hong Kong pushes for crypto regulation

ambcrypto02/01 03:02

Interpretation of Hong Kong's New Virtual Asset Licensing Regulations: Joint Announcement by Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and SFC Declares Entry into the 'Full Licensing' Era

Hong Kong's Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have jointly issued a consultation conclusion and launched a new public consultation, marking a significant step towards a comprehensive licensing regime for virtual asset (VA) activities. The new framework expands beyond the existing Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance (AMLO) requirements for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) to establish mandatory licensing for VA trading, custody, advisory, and asset management services. Key measures include: - **VA Trading Services**: Defined similarly to "Type 1 regulated activity (dealing in securities)" under the SFO. Licensees must meet capital requirements (HK$5 million paid-up capital, HK$3 million liquid capital) and must use SFC-regulated custodians, separating trading and custody. - **VA Custody Services**: Standalone custodians require higher capital (HK$10 million paid-up capital) and must adhere to strict operational standards for cold/hot wallet storage, private key management, and independent audits. - **New Proposed Licenses**: A one-month consultation introduces licensing for "VA advisory services" (providing investment advice on VAs) and "VA asset management" (managing VA portfolios), with no minimum threshold exemptions, closing regulatory gaps. This shift to a "fully licensed" era aims to build institutional trust by imposing traditional financial standards, enhancing investor protection, and creating a regulated ecosystem. However, challenges include compliance costs for smaller players, potential capital outflow, and the need for regulatory capacity to handle applications and technical oversight. Market participants must immediately assess their services against the new classifications, begin licensing preparations, and integrate compliance into their long-term competitive strategy, including potential tax implications and reporting requirements. The landscape may evolve towards integrated full-service groups and specialized niche providers.

marsbit01/30 07:28

Interpretation of Hong Kong's New Virtual Asset Licensing Regulations: Joint Announcement by Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and SFC Declares Entry into the 'Full Licensing' Era