First batch of stablecoin issuer licences to be unveiled in March: John Lee

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is actively processing licensing applications for stablecoin issuer licences, with the first approvals expected as early as next month.

Aiming to be a global hub for innovation in digital assets, the city owns advantages including the unique "one country, two systems" principle, an open and transparent market, enjoying the free flow of capital and a low and simple tax regime, Lee said in the video speech at Consensus Hong Kong 2026.

Hong Kong is in a strong position to promote Web3 development and it will continue to go all out to stay at the forefront of this pivotal shift in finance and technology, he added.