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Hong Kong Stablecoin Law’s Strict Client Identity Rules Raise Industry Concerns

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Hong Kong’s newly enacted stablecoin ordinance, effective August 1, places the city among the first global markets to regulate fiat-backed stablecoin issuers, aiming to position Hong Kong as a leading virtual asset hub. However, the stringent customer identification (KYC) requirements embedded in the law are causing apprehension within the industry.

The regulation mandates stablecoin issuers to verify the identity of every single holder, a move that challenges the cryptocurrency market’s traditional emphasis on privacy and anonymity. Industry insiders warn that this high level of scrutiny could deter users and impede widespread adoption of stablecoins in Hong Kong.

Bo Tang, head of the HKUST Institute for Financial Research, highlighted the potential drawbacks, noting that businesses using Hong Kong-regulated stablecoins for cross-border payments might force recipients to open Hong Kong-based accounts solely to complete KYC checks. This real-name requirement could strip stablecoins of their usual advantages over traditional payments, such as efficiency and privacy.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which regulates the sector, defends the measures as crucial to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, reflecting a cautious approach during the industry’s early regulatory phase.

Compared to other regions, Hong Kong’s KYC rules are reportedly tougher than the U.S.’s new stablecoin legislation, the GENIUS Act, which also came into effect recently. Ricky Xie, a crypto trader based in Hong Kong, remarked that many overseas users might opt out due to these strict rules, potentially excluding users who rely on unhosted, anonymous wallets.

HKMA expects to issue only a small number of stablecoin licenses starting early next year, with primary users likely to be mainland Chinese firms employing stablecoins for cross-border trade and remittances. Market observers also suggest that the rigorous regulation might be designed to temper speculative enthusiasm around stablecoin investments in Hong Kong.

Following the ordinance’s enforcement, several stablecoin-related concept stocks, including ZhongAn Online and Bright Smart Securities & Commodities, saw significant declines after previous gains.