Catenaa, Tuesday, July 01, 2025-Hong Kong last Wednesday announced a sweeping new digital assets policy aimed at expanding real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and reinforcing its push to become a global cryptocurrency hub.
The updated framework, called Policy Statement 2.0, introduces the “LEAP” initiative, which focuses on legal clarity, ecosystem coordination, asset innovation and practical blockchain applications. It builds on the city’s 2022 digital asset roadmap.
Under the new plan, the Securities and Futures Commission will oversee licensing for digital asset exchanges, dealers and custodians.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, along with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, will lead legal reforms to support tokenized investment products.
Hong Kong will also clarify tax policies related to tokenized exchange-traded funds and permit secondary market trading of tokenized products on regulated crypto platforms. The government aims to promote tokenization in sectors including precious metals, non-ferrous metals and renewable energy.
The policy statement comes weeks before a new licensing regime for stablecoin issuers takes effect Aug. 1, requiring firms to register with financial regulators.
Officials said public consultations on licensing for digital asset dealers and custodians will begin soon.
The city’s crypto roadmap is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a digital finance hub and offshore yuan center.
