Hong Kong stablecoin licenses are being rolled out, and compliant stablecoins could be available in the latter half of this year, as the regulatory framework becomes increasingly clear.

CoinWorld news: Wu Shuo learned that in a written reply to the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong government said that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will grant stablecoin issuer licenses in April 2026 to two institutions with banking backgrounds. Based on the two institutions’ existing business plans, regulated stablecoins in Hong Kong are expected to be launched between mid-year and the second half of this year. The Hong Kong government said that the HKMA has sent notices to unregulated entities operating stablecoin issuance businesses in the market to explain legal requirements, and will continue to follow up on individual cases; if necessary, cases may be referred to the police or the Department of Justice for handling. The government also said that this year it will submit a bill to the Legislative Council to establish a regulatory regime for providers of virtual asset trading, custody, advisory, and management services.