Hong Kong passes new law requiring stablecoin issuers to be licensed, marking a major shift in digital asset regulation and investor protection.
Hong Kong has moved to rein in the stablecoin market with new licensing law with the Legislative Council officially passing the Stablecoins Bill on May 21. The new law imposes a licensing requirement on any entity issuing fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) — digital tokens pegged to traditional currencies — a move designed to protect retail investors and enhance the city’s regulatory framework for digital assets.
The bill comes at a time when stablecoins are playing an increasingly critical role in the global crypto economy, often serving as gateways between traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. Hong Kong’s new rules will apply to stablecoins issued domestically or abroad if they claim to be tied to the Hong Kong dollar.
Under the law, only licensed entities will be permitted to offer these stablecoins to the public. Issuers must meet strict regulatory standards, including robust reserve management, mechanisms for redeeming tokens at face value, and comprehensive anti-money laundering (AML) and financial reporting obligations.
Crucially, even during the six-month transition period, only advertising by licensed stablecoin issuers will be allowed — a pointed attempt to reduce scams and fraudulent schemes targeting retail investors. “This law is clearly aimed at curbing the ‘anything goes’ era of stablecoins,” said one digital finance analyst in Hong Kong. “It sends a message: if you want to operate here, you’ll have to play by the rules — and those rules are getting tighter.”
While the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) will be responsible for granting licenses and conducting enforcement, officials are still finalizing the fine print. Additional consultations are planned to define the details of the regime, including how stablecoin issuers must manage user funds and how audits will be enforced.
Financial Secretary Christopher Hui said the bill aligns Hong Kong’s policies with international norms and helps “lay a solid foundation” for a safer, more transparent virtual asset industry. Meanwhile, HKMA Chief Eddie Yue framed the law as “pragmatic and flexible,” calling it a key step toward supporting a sustainable digital asset ecosystem.
The law is expected to come into force later this year, with a built-in grace period giving current and prospective issuers time to comply.
The legislation also signals broader ambitions: the government says it plans to launch consultations on regulating crypto custody services and over-the-counter (OTC) trading platforms next. With this move, Hong Kong continues to positioning itself not just as a hub for crypto innovation — but one where regulatory oversight and investor protection are no longer optional.
