关键转折点！央行首次公开定义“稳定币”

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and multiple departments have publicly defined stablecoins as a form of virtual currency that does not hold the same legal status as fiat currency, emphasizing that they should not circulate in the market as money [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The PBOC's recent meeting highlighted the risks associated with stablecoins, including their potential use in money laundering and illegal fundraising activities [1][2]. - The meeting called for enhanced collaboration among various units to improve regulatory policies and legal frameworks, focusing on information sharing and monitoring capabilities [2]. - The Hong Kong government has implemented a licensing system for stablecoins, marking the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for fiat-backed stablecoins [3]. Group 2: Market Risks and Criminal Activities - There has been a rise in speculative trading of virtual currencies, leading to increased illegal financial activities, which pose new challenges for risk management [2]. - Criminals have exploited the popularity of stablecoins to conduct illegal fundraising and scams, utilizing social media and offline presentations to mislead investors [4][5]. - A notable case involved individuals using shell companies to facilitate illegal foreign exchange transactions through stablecoins, amounting to 6.5 billion yuan over three years [4]. Group 3: Compliance and Future Outlook - The PBOC has reiterated that stablecoins do not have legal tender status and should not be used as currency, establishing clear boundaries for their development in the domestic market [6][7]. - The increasing complexity and volatility of stablecoins necessitate a cautious approach to investment and regulatory oversight [5]. - Analysts suggest that the PBOC's stance on stablecoins reveals inherent compliance risks, particularly in cross-border transactions where stablecoins can bypass capital controls [5].