Hong Kong Tightens Grip: Fewer Than 10 Stablecoin Licenses Up for Grabs Before August Deadline
Hong Kong's financial regulators are playing gatekeeper—only a handful of stablecoin issuers will make the cut as the licensing window slams shut next month.
The city's selective approach signals a cautious embrace of crypto's most 'boring' asset class—because nothing says 'innovation' like replicating fiat with extra steps.
With fewer than 10 licenses expected, stablecoin hopefuls face a brutal triage. Regulatory patience wears thin as August's deadline looms—no extensions for the slowpokes.
Bankers whisper about 'strategic exclusivity' while eyeing potential fees. Meanwhile, crypto natives scoff: since when did permissioned stablecoins become the hot new IPO?
Limited Licenses, Intense Competition
Starting August 1, the Stablecoin Ordinance brings strict supervision for organizations issuing fiat-referenced stablecoins. The HKMA expects to issue only a handful of licenses by the end of 2025, despite a surge of more than 40 applicants. Notably, most are established financial institutions or leading Chinese tech companies pursuing approval under the new system.
This heightened interest highlights Hong Kong’s growing role as a digital finance leader. Since the ordinance passed in May, firms such as ANT Group and JD.com have accelerated efforts to meet the approaching compliance deadline. Demand is especially strong for launching yuan-pegged stablecoins and expanding digital services from Hong Kong’s financial market.
“The Hong Kong Stablecoin Ordinance will officially take effect on August 1 this year. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority will open the license application. It is expected that only a single digit number will be issued, but more than 40 companies are currently preparing to apply. The applicants are basically the largest financial institutions and Internet companies in China.” WuBlockchain said.
With the number of licenses strictly limited, only the most qualified firms can issue fiat-backed stablecoins. This reflects Hong Kong’s intent to safeguard its reputation while supporting responsible innovation.
Elevating Standards: Hong Kong’s Regulatory Approach
The new licensing regime closely follows international standards for financial stability and risk management. Applicants must meet rigorous requirements on reserve asset management, deliver clear redemption guarantees to users, and satisfy advanced anti-money laundering protocols.
For both regulators and industry leaders, these provisions confront ongoing concerns about stablecoin solvency, misconduct, and consumer risk. The HKMA’s recent press release details the legal framework, setting out a six-month transitional period for existing issuers to adapt. This is a vital step to ensure market continuity without losing regulatory grip.
HKMA’s leaders, speaking at a recent industry event, stressed the need for a careful balance between innovation and oversight. Application guidance and enforcement priorities are already public, giving applicants clear expectations.
While the Stablecoin Ordinance advances digital asset regulation, it brings significant implications for issuers and users alike. Limiting licenses is intended to increase confidence in approved stablecoins, prevent unchecked growth, and keep Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading financial center secure.
Existing operations benefit from transitional arrangements, yet unlicensed issuers must exit the market or face enforcement once the grace period ends. The HKMA places consumer protections front and center, while cross-border compliance and anti-money laundering remain crucial for wider financial safety.
As the deadline approaches, decisive action by top tech and finance firms will help shape Hong Kong’s stablecoin landscape. This measured approach has set a high benchmark for other markets, confirming the city’s goal of leading responsibly in the evolving digital asset sector.
