FINANCE

Hong Kong Moves to Ease Capital Rules for Banks Holding Licensed Crypto

Published: Sep. 11, 2025 4:21 a.m. GMT+8

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Signage for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is displayed outside Two International Finance Centre (IFC) in the business district of Central in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s de facto central bank is proposing a softer capital regime for banks holding certain digital assets, marking a significant step toward aligning with global norms while bolstering the city’s ambitions as a digital finance hub.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on Monday issued a consultation paper on a new supervisory policy manual module, CRP-1, which sets out how crypto assets should be classified under the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s global capital standards set to take effect in early 2026.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) proposes lower capital requirements for banks holding certain digital assets, especially licensed stablecoins, aiming to align with global Basel standards effective January 2026.
The draft allows tokenized assets and stablecoins on public blockchains to qualify for lighter treatment if strict risk safeguards are met.
Hong Kong’s approach may boost bank participation in digital assets and supports its ambition as a global crypto hub.

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Who’s Who

King & Wood Mallesons: King & Wood Mallesons is a law firm. Partner Andrew Fei explained that the HKMA's new guidelines allow for compliant public-chain tokenized assets and stablecoins to be treated as lower-risk holdings by banks. He noted that this approach could increase banks' willingness to invest in digital assets, boosting Hong Kong's role as a global crypto hub.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong): Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) is a joint venture partner in Anchorpoint Financial Ltd. Hong Kong's new Stablecoin Ordinance has created a period for license applications, running from August 1 to September 30. Anchorpoint Financial Ltd. has announced plans to apply for this license. This initiative highlights Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong)'s involvement in the digital asset space within Hong Kong.

Animoca Brands: Animoca Brands is a company that, in a joint venture with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) and HKT Ltd. (named Anchorpoint Financial Ltd.), plans to apply for a stablecoin license in Hong Kong. This initiative aligns with Hong Kong's new Stablecoin Ordinance and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's efforts to establish the city as a digital finance hub.

HKT Ltd.: HKT Ltd. is mentioned as part of a joint venture, Anchorpoint Financial Ltd., along with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) and Animoca Brands. This joint venture has announced its intention to apply for a license under Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance.

Anchorpoint Financial Ltd.: Anchorpoint Financial Ltd. is a joint venture involving Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Animoca Brands, and HKT Ltd. It plans to apply for a license under Hong Kong's new Stablecoin Ordinance. This initiative highlights the growing interest from financial institutions in the digital asset space within Hong Kong.

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