Most of us are familiar with cryptocurrency and its importance in the financial sector of the world. However, there are several countries who have considered it a threat to their economy and have prohibited its use. Now, in an unexpected twist, China teases crypto comeback as Hong Kong’s regulatory plan progresses, raising hopes for a potentially profitable crypto market in the future. The ongoing regulatory advancements and the technological progress in mainland China are pointing towards a potential lifting of the crypto ban.
Chinese financial institution, BOC International Holdings Limited (BOCI), has made a significant move by issuing CNH 200 million in digital notes, which are like securities, using blockchain technology. This is the first time such a thing has happened in Hong Kong. The operation was done with the help of UBS and was targeted at clients in the Asia Pacific region.
In December 2022, UBS reportedly introduced a tokenized fixed rate note worth $50 million. The note was created in accordance with English and Swiss law and was digitized using a secure blockchain platform. This shows that laws and technology are advancing, and regulated securities can be successfully integrated into a public blockchain.
Ying Wang, the Deputy CEO of BOC, is excited about making digital asset markets and products simpler for customers in the Asia Pacific region using blockchain-based products. The institution believes in the growth of the digital economy in Hong Kong and wants to promote the use of technology in the financial industry, as reported by Chinese journalist Colin Wu.
Ms Ying Wang, Deputy CEO at BOCI said:“Working together with UBS, we are driving the simplification of digital asset markets and products, for customers in Asia Pacific through the development of blockchain-based digital structured products. We are encouraged by the evolution of…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) June 12, 2023
The speculation about China lifting its ban on cryptocurrencies is not just because of the progress in Hong Kong. The white paper published by Beijing showcases the city’s dedication to establishing itself as a leading hub for Web3 innovation worldwide. It presents a thorough blueprint that emphasizes the critical aspects, approaches, and regulations necessary for fostering and facilitating the advancement of Web3 technologies. This indicates a more favourable environment for cryptocurrencies in the future.
China’s History of Cryptocurrency Ban
- China had already put sanctions in place in 2013, which prevented banks from handling Bitcoin-related transactions.
- In 2017, they investigated crypto exchanges and issued directives for them to shut down.
- China’s crackdown continued in the following years, with a particular focus on Bitcoin mining in 2019. They labelled it as an undesirable industry due to its negative impact on the environment. This caused panic because a large portion of Bitcoin mining equipment was manufactured in China, and more than half of the world’s mining power was located there.
- In 2020, China blocked over 100 foreign websites that offered cryptocurrency exchange services.
- The series of past restrictions culminated in 2021 when they completely banned crypto trading and mining. The government’s reasons for this were the high energy consumption of Bitcoin and its threat to the country’s environmental goals.
- They introduced strict rules and restrictions on Bitcoin mining and trading, which caused a lot of concern and uncertainty among supporters of Bitcoin.
- By September of that year, the government had completely stopped all cryptocurrency transactions.
The country made some big decisions that had a major impact on the world of cryptocurrency. As a result of the ban, Bitcoin miners had to shut down or relocate to other countries that were more welcoming to cryptocurrencies. This had a significant impact on the global crypto economy. China’s decisions in this sector have a broad influence because it is the second-largest economy in the world.
Between 2019 and 2020, according to data from the Chainalysis Blockchain platform, over $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency was transferred from East Asian accounts to destinations outside the region. Considering China’s significant presence in East Asian cryptocurrency exchanges, experts suggested that a substantial portion of this cryptocurrency outflow could be attributed to capital flight from China.
Hong Kong Plans to Introduce Guidelines for Stablecoins by 2024
Hong Kong’s central bank, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), recently held a public consultation regarding the introduction of stablecoins, a type of digital currency tied to a stable asset. The HKMA plans to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins by the end of 2024, aiming to position Hong Kong as a prominent digital asset hub in the region and globally.
According to Colin Wu, Deputy Director of the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong, Chen Haolian, stated that the government is committed to supporting the growth of the digital asset industry and the development of Web3 technologies. Hong Kong has seen a significant increase in the number of financial technology (fintech) companies operating in the city over the past five years, with over 800 firms providing services such as virtual banking, insurance, and cryptocurrency transactions.
Chen Haolian, deputy director of the Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Bureau, said that public consultation on the launch of the stablecoin has been conducted, and the goal is to launch a regulatory framework by the end of next year; the Hong Kong government is focusing…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) June 12, 2023
The initiative to regulate stablecoins is part of Hong Kong’s broader plan to establish comprehensive regulations for digital assets, with the goal of reclaiming its position as a leading fintech and digital asset hub. In addition, Hong Kong has expressed plans to launch tokenized green bonds for institutional investors, aiming to promote environmentally friendly investments. The government has already successfully offered tokenized green bonds worth HK$800 million, making it the first government globally to do so.
These efforts by Hong Kong to establish a regulatory framework for the crypto industry have garnered significant interest from experts, companies, and market participants, indicating a strong desire to participate in the revitalized hub.
Starting from June 1, Hong Kong plans to introduce guidelines for stablecoins by 2024, that require crypto trading platforms to obtain licenses from the Securities and Futures Commission. These rules require crypto exchanges to get licenses before they can operate in the city.
The licensed exchanges will be allowed to offer trading services for specific popular cryptocurrencies, such as Ether and Bitcoin, to regular investors. The regulator has started seeking public input on its proposal to supervise virtual asset trading platforms, signalling a new phase in the ever-changing landscape of digital currencies in Hong Kong.
Also Read: Addiction or Calculated Investment: Why Gen Z prefers Crypto over Other Assets?
History of Hong Kong’s efforts to Promote Crypto
Hong Kong has been working on regulations for stablecoins for some time now.
- In January 2022, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released a discussion paper on crypto-assets and stablecoins.
- During 2022, while working on their own crypto regulations, the HKMA also collaborated with the Financial Stability Board (FSB) to develop global standards and recommendations for stablecoins. The proposed rules outlined in the discussion paper are subject to change, but they give us an early idea of Hong Kong’s approach to regulating stablecoins.
- In October, the government announced its intention to legalize crypto retail trading through a licensing program. While various cryptocurrencies will be allowed for trading, the government has specified that it will not endorse specific assets like Bitcoin and Ether.
- In January 2023, they published their conclusions in a consolidated paper, stating that they would regulate stablecoins in a risk-based and agile approach.
Findings in the Paper
- The market for crypto assets has encountered periods of significant price volatility. One notable trend is the significant decrease in their market capitalization, which has contracted by over 50%. Conversely, stablecoins initially demonstrated consistent growth in their market capitalization until April but experienced a decline along with the broader crypto-asset market in May.
- The HKMA suggested focusing on creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins used as a form of payment and starting with stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies, as they pose more immediate risks to financial stability.
- The paper also states that stablecoins must always be fully backed by high-quality and highly liquid assets. Stablecoins that derive their value from arbitrage or algorithms, like UST, will not be accepted.
- Furthermore, stablecoin holders should have the ability to convert their stablecoins into fiat currencies within a reasonable period, according to the paper.
Some people believe that Hong Kong’s positive attitude towards cryptocurrencies is influenced by its past role as a testing ground for new ideas and policies before they are implemented in the rest of China. We should now know – why is Hong Kong considered China’s sandbox.
Why is Hong Kong considered China’s Sandbox?
Digital assets, like cryptocurrencies, don’t necessarily undermine the current financial system but offer an alternative to traditional finance. They can make finance more efficient, accessible, and secure. However, the traditional financial system needs to adapt to these changes to stay relevant.
Despite the ups and downs in the crypto industry, Hong Kong is determined to become a centre for digital assets. This goal is different from mainland China, where the government has cracked down on all forms of crypto-related activities.
- The Chinese government is closely watching Hong Kong’s involvement in cryptocurrency and Web3 technology. They are interested in seeing how Hong Kong’s regulations and activities in the crypto space will impact the market.
- Hong Kong is a major financial centre that has a big impact on the global financial system. If its regulatory approach is successful, it may influence how China formulates its own policies regarding cryptocurrencies.
- Along with crypto, China is also monitoring Hong Kong’s activities related to crypto-linked products and blockchain solutions.
- Chinese policymakers recognize the potential benefits of blockchain technology, such as transparency, efficiency, and cost reduction. By observing Hong Kong’s approach to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, China’s policymakers can understand their impact on financial markets and assess the risks and benefits.
- If Hong Kong’s regulations succeed in promoting innovation and protecting investors, they could serve as a model for China to adopt more blockchain-friendly policies.
- The situation in Hong Kong regarding regulations for digital assets is interesting for China, India, and the rest of the world.
- How Hong Kong handles digital asset regulations will have important consequences worldwide, both for finance and regulation. Policymakers around the world can learn from these developments to create their own unique regulatory solutions.
China’s digital asset experiment in Hong Kong is of interest to the world as it can help improve policymaking. The question of whether to regulate this space is complex, and allowing the crypto ecosystem to develop new products without much regulation is a potential but risky approach. Success and failure are important for both innovation and regulation, and policymakers can learn from the dynamic relationship between the two.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand that lifting China’s ban on cryptocurrencies will involve more than just changing regulations. It will require a complete overhaul of the entire system, including improving the safety of holding assets, enforcing strong cybersecurity measures, and implementing better practices for verifying information.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has expressed plans to allow licensed platforms to serve regular investors as long as they follow specific guidelines. This shows that careful consideration is being given to the process.
The crypto market eagerly awaits a potential breakthrough from the country. Particularly as Hong Kong and mainland China continue to refine their regulations and embrace technological innovation. However, it will be a complex and lengthy journey before the ban is completely lifted. Nonetheless, these signs are encouraging for crypto enthusiasts and investors.
Source: Conclusion of discussion paper on crypto-assets and stablecoins
