Hong Kong’s RD Technologies Secures $40M Funding as Stablecoin Licensing Heats Up

Hong Kong's crypto scene just got a $40M vote of confidence—and regulators are taking notes.

Stablecoins enter the spotlight

RD Technologies' funding round lands as the city scrambles to finalize its stablecoin licensing framework. Because nothing says 'financial innovation' like bureaucrats racing to catch up with blockchain.

Follow the money

The raise signals institutional appetite for compliant crypto plays—even as TradFi veterans grumble about 'unproven asset classes.' Meanwhile, stablecoins keep quietly powering 80% of actual blockchain transactions.

Watch this space: Hong Kong's regulatory greenlight could mint the next generation of crypto unicorns. Or at least give bankers something new to complain about at champagne brunches.

Strategic Timing for Regulatory Compliance

Founded in 2020, RD Technologies has developed HKDR, a planned Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin designed for 1:1 fiat backing on public blockchain infrastructure. The company participated in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) stablecoin sandbox program launched in March 2024, providing early regulatory testing experience before mandatory licensing begins.

As per the official release, the $40 million raise provides RD Technologies with the minimum HK$25 million ($3.2 million USD) capital requirement for HKMA stablecoin licensing, plus substantial additional resources for technology development and market expansion.

“This funding round marks another strategic milestone […] positioning RD Technologies for its next phase of growth under Hong Kong’s evolving stablecoin regulatory framework,” the company stated in its funding announcement. Though it has not disclosed specific licensing application timelines.

ZA Bank Partnership for Financial Infrastructure

With the funding announcement, RD Technologies also announced a strategic partnership with ZA Bank, Hong Kong’s first licensed VIRTUAL bank, to develop stablecoin custody, business payment solutions, and integrated financial products pending regulatory approvals.

ZA Bank’s existing Hong Kong banking license and digital infrastructure could accelerate RD Technologies’ path to market once HKMA stablecoin licenses are approved. The partnership represents the first major collaboration between a licensed Hong Kong virtual bank and a stablecoin development company.

Hong Kong Stablecoin Market Competition

RD Technologies joins approximately 40 companies reportedly preparing Hong Kong stablecoin license applications, including major institutions like Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands, and ANT Group. However, HKMA indicated it will initially approve only a limited number of licenses to ensure regulatory oversight quality.

The company’s early sandbox participation and Hong Kong dollar focus could provide competitive advantages in the licensing process. HKMA prioritizes applications that demonstrate strong regulatory compliance and serve Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem needs.

OSL Group, Hong Kong’s licensed crypto exchange operator, raised $300 million in 2024 to support digital asset expansion, indicating strong institutional investor appetite for regulated Hong Kong crypto companies.

Also Read: Strategy Buys 21,021 Bitcoin for $2.47 Billion After U.S. IPO