Hong Kong Accelerates Crypto Licensing and Tokenized Finance Plans
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is advancing its infrastructure for tokenized finance and round-the-clock settlement, with new services to be introduced by year-end. The Central Moneymarkets Unit will support 24-hour, real-time on-chain settlement using e-HKD and central bank digital currencies.
Hong Kong is also considering licenses for digital-asset trading and custody services, with legislation targeted by early 2027. The government and Securities and Futures Commission have completed consultations covering virtual-asset dealing, custody, advisory and management services.
The planned rules would expand Hong Kong's crypto licensing beyond the existing regime for virtual-asset trading platforms. Authorities aim to introduce the related legislation into the Legislative Council during 2026. Legislator Duncan Chiu said officials want passage in the second half of this year or early 2027.