Hong Kong is deeply integrating digital assets into mainstream finance, with tokenization and stablecoins gaining stronger regulatory backing as market infrastructure. The move signals a broader effort to expand regulated blockchain use cases and attract global companies to the city.
Important points:
- Hong Kong has positioned digital assets as part of its core infrastructure and has shown strong policy support.
- Treasurer Paul Chan said tokenization will improve efficiency and access and accelerate adoption.
- The stablecoin rules show that Hong Kong is moving ahead with regulations to expand digital financial activities.
Digital assets enter mainstream finance
Hong Kong on April 20 stepped up its efforts to advance digital assets, positioning tokenization and stablecoins as essential to the evolution of financial markets. Finance Secretary Paul Chan used the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026 to outline how digital assets are moving into mainstream financial infrastructure with regulatory support.
Mr. Chan directly linked tokenization to increased efficiency and accessibility, and highlighted the structural role of digital assets in the restructuring of finance. He explained the expansion of institutional implementation and emphasized that Hong Kong is open to industry participants.
“Web3, tokenization, and AI are now becoming critical building blocks for the future of mainstream finance,” said Chan, adding:
“Our doors are open to Web3 entrepreneurs and institutions from all over the world who want to build and expand their businesses here.”
The comments reinforced the city’s ambitions to attract global companies while positioning digital assets as a tool to expand financial services rather than a speculative vehicle.
Rules expand for tokenized bonds and stablecoins
In his talk, he detailed specific implementations that support that strategy. Mr. Chan pointed to multiple rounds of tokenized green infrastructure bonds totaling over USD 2 billion. These issuances demonstrated how blockchain-based structures can streamline the payment process and expand investor access. He noted that authorities have already normalized such activities within the market framework. Mr. Chan said:
“We are leading the charge in accelerating further tokenization. We have issued multiple tokenized green infrastructure bonds totaling over USD 2 billion.”
“These transactions helped demonstrate how tokenization can improve payment efficiency and expand market participation. We are now conducting such issuances on a regular basis,” Zhang said. He also addressed the licensing of stablecoin issuers, suggesting greater regulatory clarity regarding stablecoins.
Mr. Chan concluded by highlighting continued policy support to expand digital asset applications across sectors. He said the regulator would maintain a controlled approach while encouraging innovation through pilots and structured programs. This strategy is in line with Hong Kong’s broader goal of incorporating tokenization into financial services and cross-border transactions. Chan emphasized:
“We are determined to drive more innovative use cases in tokenization.”
This speech positioned digital assets as a regulated growth field with measurable economic utility and enduring institutional relevance.
