HongKong

May 21, 2025 marks an important milestone for the global digital financial market as Hong Kong officially passes the stablecoin bill after the third reading in the legislative body. Under the new regulations, stablecoin issuers will be required to have a license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) if they wish to operate legally in this special administrative region.

✅ Stablecoin enters the legal framework – a positive signal for long-term future

Hong Kong just turbocharged its digital finance ambitions, locking in a game-changing stablecoin law that mandates licenses, enforces full compliance, and ignites the city’s crypto leadership.

Hong Kong Enacts Licensing Law for Stablecoin Issuers, Ushering in New Era for Crypto Assets
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced on May 21 that the Legislative Council had formally passed the Stablecoins Bill, establishing a regulatory framework requiring fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuers to obtain a license to operate in or outside of Hong Kong if their tokens are linked to the Hong Kong dollar. The initiative is part of the territory’s broader strategy to solidify its position as a leading financial center while fostering a secure environment for virtual asset (VA) innovation.
Under the new ordinance, entities engaged in FRS issuance as a business must adhere to strict compliance protocols. According to the HKMA:
The relevant persons must satisfy the requirements in areas such as reserve asset management and redemption, including proper segregation of client assets, maintaining a robust stabilisation mechanism, and processing stablecoin holders’ requests for redemption at par value with reasonable conditions.
“The relevant persons must also comply with a range of requirements, including those on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, risk management, disclosure and auditing, and fitness and propriety. The MA will conduct further consultations on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime in due course,” the regulator added. Only specified licensed institutions will be permitted to offer FRS to retail users, and all advertisements related to stablecoins must also originate from licensed issuers—even during the initial six-month transitional period.
HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue emphasized the framework’s role in balancing growth and oversight:
The Ordinance has established a risk-based, pragmatic, and flexible regulatory regime. We believe that a robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory environment would provide favourable conditions to support the healthy, responsible, and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem.
Only licensed entities will be permitted to offer FRS to retail investors or advertise such offerings in Hong Kong, including during the initial six-month non-contravention period. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui remarked that the legislation adheres to the “same activity, same risks, same regulation” principle and would “lay a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s virtual asset market.” The government has also signaled future policy developments, including consultations on virtual asset over-the-counter and custodian services, as it continues efforts to support and regulate the VA sector.

#binance #wendy #BTC #Hongkong $BTC

Avenir significantly increases investment in Bitcoin ETFs, with a portfolio of nearly 700 million USD solely in IBIT

The investment group #Avenir based in Hong Kong has recently attracted the attention of the financial community by significantly increasing the number of shares of BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT). Specifically, in the first quarter of 2025, Avenir purchased an additional 3.4 million shares of IBIT, raising the total holdings to 14.7 million shares – worth approximately 688 million USD as of March 31.

A groundbreaking proposal from Hong Kong legislator Wu Jiezhuang has sparked conversations about the role of Bitcoin in the city's financial future. Wu’s suggestion to integrate Bitcoin into Hong Kong’s national reserves is a bold move that could reshape traditional asset strategies and position the city as a leader in digital finance. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique "one country, two systems" framework, Wu envisions a financial landscape where Bitcoin isn’t just an investment but a cornerstone of fiscal security.
Drawing Inspiration from Global Examples
Wu’s proposal is rooted in real-world precedents. Countries like El Salvador and Bhutan have already embraced Bitcoin in their economic systems, albeit in distinct ways. El Salvador, a trailblazer in Bitcoin adoption, made headlines by recognizing the cryptocurrency as legal tender. Meanwhile, Bhutan has been quietly building reserves through mining operations, showcasing another method of integrating Bitcoin into national strategies.

These examples underline Bitcoin’s potential to serve as more than a volatile investment asset. Instead, Wu suggests, it can act as a strategic tool for countries looking to diversify their holdings and enhance financial resilience. As governments adopt Bitcoin, he argues, its value could stabilize, making it a more reliable reserve asset in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
A Phased Approach to Adoption
Recognizing the challenges of incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves, Wu advocates for a phased approach. The first step, he proposes, is the introduction of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong. These ETFs would provide a regulated entry point for investors, bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the emerging digital asset ecosystem.

Wu emphasizes the importance of learning from the United States, where Bitcoin ETFs have made the asset more accessible to institutional investors. By tailoring this model to Hong Kong’s unique regulatory and economic environment, the city could attract global talent and investment, setting the stage for broader adoption of Bitcoin.
Challenges and Opportunities
Wu’s vision isn’t without its critics. Bitcoin’s price volatility remains a significant concern, as does the complexity of integrating such an asset into fiscal reserves. Opponents argue that relying on Bitcoin exposes governments to risks not present with traditional assets like gold or foreign currencies. However, Wu counters that as more countries adopt Bitcoin, the asset’s value will stabilize, mitigating these risks over time.
He also highlights the potential long-term benefits of diversifying reserves. Traditional holdings often depend on assets susceptible to geopolitical and economic uncertainties. By incorporating Bitcoin, Hong Kong could reduce its reliance on these traditional systems, paving the way for greater financial resilience in an unpredictable global landscape.
Positioning Hong Kong as a Digital Finance Hub
This proposal comes at a pivotal moment for Hong Kong, as the city navigates its identity amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Long recognized as a global financial hub, Hong Kong’s ability to adapt to new technologies like blockchain and digital currencies will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge.
Wu’s call to action is clear: Hong Kong must embrace innovation to stay ahead. By positioning itself as a leader in digital asset adoption, the city can attract top-tier talent and investors, fostering an environment where financial security and technological advancement go hand in hand.
Rethinking the Fundamentals of Financial Security
What makes Wu’s proposal particularly compelling is its focus on long-term strategy. Rather than viewing Bitcoin as a passing trend, he presents it as a cornerstone of future fiscal security. This perspective challenges conventional thinking about national reserves and opens the door for other jurisdictions to consider similar approaches.
By diversifying its reserves with Bitcoin, Hong Kong could reduce dependence on traditional systems that may struggle to withstand the complexities of an interconnected global economy. While the proposal’s implementation remains uncertain, Wu’s vision has undoubtedly initiated a critical conversation about the future of financial strategy in a digital-first world.
Conclusion
As Bitcoin continues its evolution from a niche digital currency to a potential pillar of national economic strategy, proposals like Wu’s force policymakers to rethink the fundamentals of financial security. For Hong Kong, this is more than an opportunity to adopt a new asset class; it’s a chance to define the future of fiscal reserves and digital finance on the global stage.
Wu Jiezhuang’s bold vision underscores the urgency of embracing innovation in an era of rapid technological change. By leading the charge in integrating Bitcoin into national reserves, Hong Kong could set a powerful example for other nations while securing its place as a pioneer in the digital economy.
#HongKong #Bitcoin $BTC $ETH

Ethiopia has entered into a significant partnership with a Hong Kong-based data center operator, paving the way for new opportunities in data mining and artificial intelligence (AI) development. Here are the key points of this strategic alliance.

Memorandum of Understanding: $250 Million Investment
Ethiopian Investment Holdings, a state-owned company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Data Center Service, a subsidiary of the renowned Hong Kong-based West Data Group. This agreement, valued at $250 million, aims to establish modern infrastructure for data mining and AI training in Ethiopia.
Cryptocurrency Mining: A Controversial Issue
While the announcement does not directly mention cryptocurrency mining, reports suggest that this activity could be part of the joint effort. Bitcoin mining is a contentious topic in Ethiopia, especially given the recent launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has altered electricity prices in the country.

Growing Interest in Cryptocurrencies in Ethiopia
Despite controversies, interest in cryptocurrencies is growing in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that several mining companies, mostly from China, are already operating there. Additionally, Ethiopia is striving to develop its cryptocurrency infrastructure and is collaborating with international partners, such as Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), on blockchain technology innovations.
West Data Group: Innovative Fintech
West Data Group, powered by blockchain technology, is a key player in this partnership. With centers worldwide and a new focus on bitcoin and digital currency mining, it provides Ethiopia with new opportunities for technological development and economic diversification.
Conclusion
The partnership between Ethiopia and Hong Kong represents a significant step towards modernizing infrastructure and advancing technologies in Ethiopia. While questions regarding cryptocurrency mining remain open, it is clear that both parties are interested in joint development in the fields of data services and artificial intelligence.
#mining #crypto #hongkong

Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“