Hong Kong Monetary Authority Issues First Stablecoin Licences to Anchorpoint Financial and HSBC
Here's what it means for you.
The regulatory framework for stablecoins in Hong Kong is set to reshape digital finance, potentially impacting cross-border transactions and financial innovation.
What happened
On April 10, 2026, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued its first stablecoin issuer licences to Anchorpoint Financial Limited and HSBC.
The Context
- Regulatory Framework: The Stablecoins Ordinance, effective from August 2025, establishes a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers, requiring a minimum paid-up capital of HK$25 million and liquid assets of HK$3 million.
- Market Response: The HKMA received 36 licence applications by September 2025, indicating strong interest and commitment to developing a regulated digital asset ecosystem.
- Future Plans: Anchorpoint aims to launch its HKDAP stablecoin in Q2 2026, while HSBC is targeting integration with its existing mobile banking platforms by H2 2026.
The Number
— This represents the total stablecoin issuer licence applications received by HKMA, highlighting the competitive landscape and growing interest in regulated digital finance.
Takeaway
As Hong Kong positions itself as a regulated hub for digital assets, expect further developments in stablecoin offerings and potential cross-border financial innovations.
Insights by A47 Intelligence
Covers Bitcoin plus altcoin news, market updates, and educational resources.
"Bitcoin.com provides news, market data, and guides focused on Bitcoin and the wider crypto industry."
— A47 Editor
Hong Kong Grants First Stablecoin Licences to HSBC, Standard Chartered Consortium
Hong Kong has granted its first stablecoin issuer licenses to a consortium led by HSBC and Standard Chartered, marking a significant regulatory milestone under the newly enacted Stablecoins Ordinance. This approval, effective as of April 10, 2026, is...
Research, news, and analysis on blockchain startups, DeFi, and regulations.
"Crypto Briefing provides research, news, and analysis on blockchain startups, DeFi, and crypto regulations with investor-focused coverage."
— A47 Editor
Standard Chartered’s joint venture, HSBC Hong Kong first to secure HKMA stablecoin issuer licences
Hong Kong's financial landscape has been significantly transformed as Standard Chartered and HSBC secured the first stablecoin issuer licenses from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), marking a pivotal moment in the city's digital finance sector...
Real-time updates, analysis, and reports on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
"Crypto News delivers real-time updates, analysis, and reports on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors."
— A47 Editor
HSBC and Standard Chartered Venture secure Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licenses
HSBC and Anchorpoint Financial have been granted Hong Kong's first stablecoin issuer licenses by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), marking a significant regulatory milestone in the city's digital asset landscape. This approval comes under the ...
Curated tech headlines including AI stories.
"Influential aggregator surfacing the day’s top tech/AI links."
— A47 Editor
HSBC and Standard Chartered obtain the first stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong, beating 34 other applicants; they are expected to issue stablecoins in H2 2026 (Kiuyan Wong/Bloomberg)
HSBC Holdings Plc and a joint venture of Standard Chartered Plc have been awarded the first stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong, surpassing 34 other applicants. This milestone is expected to enable both banks to issue stablecoins by the second ha...
Covers blockchain, cryptocurrency news, project analysis, and market insights.
"Cointelegraph is a leading crypto-focused media outlet known for timely news, analysis, and educational content related to blockchain and digital assets."
— A47 Editor
Hong Kong grants first stablecoin licenses to Anchorpoint and HSBC
Hong Kong has granted its first stablecoin issuer licenses to Anchorpoint Financial and HSBC, marking a significant regulatory milestone under the newly enacted Stablecoins Ordinance. This approval comes as part of the city's efforts to modernize its...
Covers blockchain, cryptocurrency news, project analysis, and market insights.
"CoinDesk is a well-established cryptocurrency and blockchain news provider, offering comprehensive insights, market data, and industry research."
— A47 Editor
HSBC and Standard Chartered-led group land Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licenses
HSBC and Standard Chartered have received approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for the first stablecoin licenses under the newly enacted Stablecoins Ordinance, which came into effect in August 2025. This marks a significant regulatory miles...