Hong Kong – August 28, 2025 – BTC Inc., the organizer of the world’s largest Bitcoin Conference, today announced that Bitcoin Hong Kong 2026 will be held in Hong Kong from August 27-28, 2026.

The momentum continues after Bitcoin Asia 2025 saw more than 20,000 sales passes and built the success of Bitcoin Asia 2024. This year’s edition lineup includes notable speakers such as Eric Trump, CZ, Bellaj Srinivasan, Adam Buck, Bilal Bin Saqib and Xiao Feng.

“Bitcoin Hong Kong is where global adoption meets unstoppable innovation.” Justin Douchin, Global Event Director, BTC Inc. “Every year, conversations grow, energy grow and community strengthen. Hong Kong continues to be one of the most dynamic hubs of fintech innovation, and 2026 will set a new benchmark for what is possible.”

Start a 72-hour free GA pass

To celebrate the announcement, BTC Inc. is offering 72 hours a day of free general admission (GA) passes available from 8am on August 28, 2025, starting at 8am in Hong Kong time. The promotion will run until 8am on August 30th, 2025.

Following the 72-hour promotion, ticket prices will move to the following tier levels:

•GA Pass – $48

•Propass – $188

•Whale Pass – $1,888

About Bitcoin Conference

Hosted by BTC Media, the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine, Bitcoin Conference is a global event series featuring renowned industry speakers, workshops, exhibitions and entertainment. These events serve as an important platform for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors and enthusiasts to collect, network and exchange ideas. The flagship event took place in Las Vegas in 2025. It has been announced that Bitcoin 2026 will be held in Las Vegas in April 2026. The international event will be jointly organised by Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 2025), Bitcoin Amsterdam (November 2025), Bitcoin Mena and ADNEC Group (Abu Dhabi, December 2025).

CMB International Securities Limited, a subsidiary of the China Merchants Bank (CMB) — one of China’s top banks — launched a cryptocurrency exchange in Hong Kong.

According to a Monday CMB WeChat announcement, the bank has started offering virtual asset trading services. The launch comes after the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approved the bank’s application for a virtual asset service provider license in mid-July.

CMB’s Hong Kong-based crypto exchange allows for 24/7 trading of Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tether’s USDt (USDT) for eligible investors. Documentation provided by the bank clarified that only professional investors are eligible for crypto trading services.

China Merchants Bank is one of the country’s largest banks, managing over $1.7 trillion worth of assets as of the end of March, according to Macrotrends data. The bank’s ordinary class A shares have a market capitalization of $153.16 billion.

Related: China cracks down on stablecoin promotions, research and seminars

Mainland China’s ban on crypto persists

CMB said it is the first Chinese bank–affiliated broker in Hong Kong to secure licenses tied to virtual asset trading services. The bank also noted plans to integrate traditional stock trading with digital assets and fintech applications.

Still, in Shenzhen, China — where the bank’s headquarters are located — such a service would be illegal. The Chinese government banned crypto trading in 2017, resulting in major sell-offs at the time.

Since then, Chinese authorities have continued to treat crypto trading as illegal in mainland China, leading some market participants to devise creative solutions.

Hong Kong operates under its own rules within China’s “one country, two systems” policy, and is increasingly emerging as a local crypto hub.

Related: Animoca and Standard Chartered form stablecoin venture in Hong Kong

Hong Kong: an emerging crypto hub

Hong Kong authorities appear to have made crypto regulation a high-priority part of their agenda. On the first day of this month, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) finalized its regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers.

The introduction of the new rules led to stablecoin companies operating in Hong Kong posting double-digit losses on Aug. 1, just after they came into force. Analysts at the time described the sell-off as a healthy correction, as the requirements for stablecoin issuers proved to be more stringent than expected.

The new rules were rolled out in a six-month transition period starting from Aug. 1. The new Stablecoin Ordinance effectively criminalizes the offering or promotion of unlicensed fiat-referenced stablecoins to retail investors. Local authorities also launched a dedicated public license registry before the rules came into effect.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has warned that the introduction of the new local stablecoin regulatory framework has increased the risk of fraud. Last week, the SFC also issued immediate guidance on cryptocurrency custody standards, introducing sweeping security requirements and a ban on smart contracts in cold wallet implementations — a rule that conflicts with current practices at several leading firms.

Magazine: China to ban owning Bitcoin? Gate.io to pay $30M over liquidations: Asia Express

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/china-merchants-bank-subsidiary-launches-crypto-exchange-in-hong-kong/feed/ 0 53827 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/hong-kong-regulators-warn-against-hype-driven-stablecoin-market-swings/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/hong-kong-regulators-warn-against-hype-driven-stablecoin-market-swings/#respond Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:41:48 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/hong-kong-regulators-warn-against-hype-driven-stablecoin-market-swings/

Hong Kong’s financial regulators cautioned investors to avoid making impulsive bets on stablecoin-linked assets after a spate of sharp price swings tied to speculation, corporate announcements, and unverified claims about licensing plans in the city.

In a joint statement, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said they had observed abrupt movements in share prices of companies linked to the stablecoin concept.

These shifts often followed news reports, social media posts, or statements suggesting that firms planned to apply for a stablecoin issuer licence, engage in related activities, or explore such initiatives locally. Some claims referenced discussions with the regulators themselves.

High bar for stablecoin licensing

Hong Kong introduced its stablecoin licensing regime earlier this year as part of a broader push to establish the city as a regulated hub for digital assets.

The HKMA said it applies a “rigorous and prudent” approach to reviewing applications, with stringent approval criteria and an expectation that only a small number will be granted in the initial phase.

HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue said dozens of parties have engaged with the regulator about licensing, but stressed that early communication and simply filing an application are not indicators of likely approval.

The process includes meeting capital, governance, risk management, and operational requirements designed to ensure the safety and stability of licensed stablecoins.

Investors cautioned

The SFC urged investors to remain clear-headed, conduct thorough research, and avoid decisions based solely on short-term price momentum or unsubstantiated online claims. It warned that volatility driven by hype could expose retail traders to significant losses.

SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung said the regulator will continue to monitor trading closely through its dedicated market surveillance team, which uses advanced systems to detect and investigate potential manipulation. She added that the agency intends to take strict enforcement action against any deceptive or misleading conduct.

The regulators also reminded companies and market participants to avoid making public statements that could mislead investors or create unrealistic expectations, noting that maintaining transparency and accuracy is critical to safeguarding market integrity during the rollout of Hong Kong’s stablecoin framework.

Hon Kong’s The Stablecoin licensing framework officially made its appearance on August 1st. this This is the first time the city has introduced a legal structure exclusively for Fiat Peg digital tokens. With this move, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is responsible for approving which companies can issue Stablecoins and how they can operate. The new law will be applied soon.

What Stablecoin publishers currently need

Under the new rules, companies offering Hong Kong or US dollar-backed stubcoins must obtain a license from HKMA. It doesn’t matter whether the company is based in Hong Kong or operates overseas. The requirements are strict. Issuers should always maintain full reserves, clearly separate customer funds from their own funds, and ensure that users can redeem the tokens quickly. They’ll do that They are also subject to audits, compliance checks and reviews to ensure that the leadership team meets be standard.

The license is public, but approval will come later

The law is currently in force, license do not Being distributed immediately. HKMA says it will begin issuing approvals in early 2026. The first wave is granted a limited number of licenses, and businesses hope to become one of the first needs to move quickly. The interest deadline is August 31, 2025. full You must submit the application By September 30th. That timeline sets a clear pace for serious candidates.

Discover: 9+ Best High Risk, High Reward Crypto Buy in August 20125

Misleading marketing involves penalties

HKMA revealed that no one should promote themselves as a licensed publisher actually teeth. Companies doing so may face consequences. Only licensed entities are permitted to promote stablecoins to the public. The regulator takes a step-by-step approach, and this early stage teeth clearly meaning Set tone and limit hype.

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Some big names are already included in the mix

Several major companies have already expressed interest. JD.com, Ant Group, and Standard Chartered are among those preparing to register. Some are looking to issue Hong Kong dollar stub coins, while others are considering tokens backed by US dollars or offshore. However, if a company plans to use Chinese Yuan, HKMA expects full Transparency regarding reserves and intended use cases.

Discovery: Next 1000x Ciphers: 10+ Ciphers tokens that could hit 1000X in 2025

Crypto fundraiser is picking up steam

The policy launch coincided with the wave of Hon’s fairness activities Kong’s Fintech sector. In July, the digital asset company raised more than $1.5 billion in fresh capital. Groups such as OSL, Dmall, and Sensetime are reportedly planning new products related to stablecoins or tokenized bonds. there is clearly The momentum behind regulated crypto projects in the region.

Small player barriers

All this sounds promising, but the entry bar is high. Small startups can suffer from the cost of compliance. Serious resources are required to maintain proper reserves, audit infrastructure and security capabilities. It may concentrate the market among large companies for now.

Why is this movement important?

This regime is part of a broader push to make Hong Kong a leading digital asset hub. Authorities are trying to find a midpoint between encouraging innovation and protecting users. With clear rules in books, Hong Kong is one of the few financial centres. Completely regulate tokens that have been phiatbacked.

The road ahead

The application is open, but it takes some time for the original license issuer to be published. Observers are looking to see who qualifies and whether smaller players can realistically compete. The criteria set here could affect how other markets respond to Stablecoins over the coming months.

Discover: 20+ Next Cryptocurrency to Explode in 2025

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The Hong Kong stablecoin regulatory regime is set to go live on August 1, but so far, the Monetary Authority has issued no licences.

Hong Kong Stablecoin Licences May Arrive Early 2026

In a press release, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has shared explanatory notes and guidelines related to the new stablecoin regulatory regime that will be implemented at the start of August.

Hong Kong’s stablecoin bill, officially known as Stablecoins Ordinance, was passed by the Legislative Council back in May. The law mandates that any entity seeking to issue fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRSs) within the city must obtain a licence from the HKMA.

The bill is set to be in effect from August 1, but so far, no issuer has received a licence from the regulator. “In future, the public may refer to the register of licensed stablecoin issuers as shown on the HKMA’s website,” read the press release. Naturally, the list is empty for now.

The regulator cautioned:

Members of the public are advised to stay vigilant to any persons who claim to be regulated or licensed stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, as well as those who claim to be applying for a licence.

HKMA has encouraged parties interested in becoming an issuer to contact the regulator for feedback by August 31. It has also said that those who wish to be considered early can submit an application by September 30.

The first batch of licences may not be granted until early next year, as reported by Reuters. Also, Darryl Chan Wai-man, deputy chief executive at HKMA, has revealed that only a handful of FRS issuers will get in during this initial batch.

As previously reported by Bitcoinist, HKMA CEO Eddie Yue has cautioned against excessive speculation brewing in the sector ahead of the Stablecoins Ordinance, noting that many applicants are still in the conceptual phase. On that note, the Hong Kong regulator said in the press release:

The HKMA would like to remind market participants to exercise due caution in their public communications, as well as refrain from making statements that could be misinterpreted or create unrealistic expectations.

One clause that stands out in the anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines is that FRS issuers might be required to verify the identity of all stablecoin holders, an approach notably stricter than most other jurisdictions.

“Considering Hong Kong’s well-established systems, we do not expect to achieve large-scale [stablecoin adoption] immediately in the early stages,” Chan told South China Morning Post. “Instead, we aim to progress step by step, gradually driving the digital transformation of Hong Kong.”

Bitcoin Price

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is floating around $117,800, down 1% in the last week.

The price of the coin appears to have been moving sideways recently | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Author

Jai Pratap

Author

Jai Pratap

About Author

Jai serves as the Asia Desk Editor for Cryptonews.com, where he leads a diverse team of international reporters. Jai has over five years of experience covering the web3 industry.

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Last updated: 

June 5, 2025

Hong Kong’s stablecoin regulations will officially take effect on August 1, 2025, according to a Gazette notice published Thursday, following the ordinance’s ratification on May 30.

The new law introduces a licensing framework for stablecoin issuers and service providers operating in Hong Kong. The first batch of licenses is expected to be granted later this year. In parallel, the Financial Secretary issued a notice specifying that unlicensed stablecoin issuers may only offer tokens to “professional investors” as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

Reserve Requirements and Issuer Obligations

The regulatory framework mandates full reserve backing with high-quality, liquid assets such as cash, bank deposits, or government securities held in the same currency as the stablecoin. These reserves must be segregated from the issuer’s own funds, held in trust, and shielded from creditor claims.

Issuers are prohibited from paying interest on stablecoins but may offer non-interest-based incentives. They must be locally incorporated with key personnel based in Hong Kong and meet minimum capital requirements of HKD 25 million or 1% of the total stablecoin issuance, whichever is greater. Redemption at par within one business day is required under normal conditions.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched a consultation on accompanying guidelines, including measures related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

Hong Kong Leaps Ahead in Regulating Stablecoins

“The upcoming implementation of the Ordinance heralds a structured regulatory environment for stablecoin operations,” said Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui. He described the law as a “significant milestone” in advancing Hong Kong’s digital asset ambitions.

The stablecoin ordinance forms part of a broader push by the city to establish comprehensive regulatory clarity around crypto assets, with more nations likely to follow. Currently, the US congress is in the middle of passing the Genius Act which will regulate stablecoins in the country in a similar manner as to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has been ramping up efforts to strengthen its position as a digital asset hub. Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) plans to introduce virtual asset derivatives trading for professional investors.

According to a 4 June 2025 China Daily report, Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said the move is part of the city’s push to bolster its global digital asset market competitiveness.

The SFC said robust risk management measures will be prioritized in line with the move. This will ensure trades are conducted “in an orderly, transparent and secure manner.”

HONG KONG PLANS TO LEGALIZE #BITCOIN & CRYPTO DERIVATIVES TRADING!
ASIA’S ALL-IN ON BITCOIN BULL RUN! pic.twitter.com/1BwQfkWeJh

— Marzell (@MarzellCrypto) June 5, 2025

According to the SFC, the proposed product will facilitate efficient risk transfers, boost liquidity in the underlying spot markets — where cryptocurrencies are traded for immediate payment and delivery — and support experienced investors in engaging in hedging and leveraging strategies.

Furthermore, Hui said that the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau is preparing to issue the second policy statement on virtual assets, laying out future policy directions.

DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in June 2025

Active Virtual Asset Development Since October 2022

This follows the release of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s first policy statement on virtual asset development in October 2022, which set out its stance and strategy to build a vibrant crypto ecosystem in the city.

Earlier this year, the SFC outlined plans to broaden the range of virtual asset products and services available to different types of investors.

As part of its efforts, the SFC permitted staking services for virtual assets, enabling investors to earn additional returns.

In April, the SFC approved two licensed virtual asset trading platforms to offer staking services under specific conditions. This was followed by two SFC-authorized virtual asset spot exchange traded funds (ETFs) revising their documentation to engage in staking activities.

Explore: Hong Kong SFC Greenlights Staking Services For Licensed Crypto Platforms

Hong Kong SFC Greenlights Staking Services For Licensed Crypto Platforms

In April 2025, Hong Kong’s SFC officially authorized licensed virtual asset trading platforms to offer staking services. This move was aimed to reinforce the city’s status as a leading hub for digital assets in the Asia-Pacific region.

The announcement was made in tandem with a keynote speech by SFC Executive Director Christina Choi at the 2025 Hong Kong Web3 Festival. Choi talked about how blockchain has the potential to reshape finance.  

Furthermore, Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange HashKey received regulatory approval to offer staking services. This move was meant to expand the appeal of proof-of-stake (PoS) investments like spot Ether ETFs among institutional investors.

EXPLORE: 10 Best AI Crypto Coins to Invest in 2025

Hong Kong Plans To Introduce Crypto Derivatives Trading Soon