HSBC and Standard Chartered have been granted stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Grants First Stablecoin Licenses to Two Institutions

Hong Kong has issued its first stablecoin licenses. The HKMA's Register of Licensees, established under the Stablecoins Ordinance (Cap. 656), shows that two entities have been approved to issue designated stablecoins in Hong Kong: Anchor Point Financial Technology Limited (License No. FRS01) and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (License No. FRS02).

The move marks a new phase in Hong Kong's stablecoin regulatory regime. Before launching their compliant stablecoins, licensed issuers must complete preparatory work, including tech platform and system testing, risk management measures, and staffing arrangements. Based on current business plans, the two institutions are expected to roll out regulated stablecoins in Hong Kong between mid-2026 and the second half of the year.