Hong Kong reaffirms 2026 deadline for broader crypto licensing rules

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Hong Kong plans to introduce legislation by the end of 2026 to create licensing regimes for a wider range of digital asset services.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui said the government would submit an amendment bill within the year. The proposed framework would cover digital asset trading, custody, advisory and asset management services.

Hui said the changes were being prepared in response to developments in financial technology. The government had previously said it intended to introduce broader crypto regulation by the end of 2026.

The move follows Hong Kong’s expansion of its crypto regulatory framework, including the introduction of licensing for stablecoin issuers. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued its first stablecoin licences in April.