Haitong Securities International·2025-07-14 13:38Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies Core Insights - The Hong Kong Stablecoin Ordinance will take effect on August 1, 2024, with initial licenses expected to be limited to a single-digit number, focusing on applicants' reserve management, compliance, and technical security [1][34] - The regulatory framework for virtual assets in Hong Kong includes various license types, such as VATP licenses for trading platforms and specific licenses for stablecoin issuers, with stringent requirements [2][35] - The stablecoin supply chain is categorized into upstream (infrastructure), midstream (issuers and distributors), and downstream (application scenarios), highlighting the ecosystem's complexity and interdependencies [3][12][13] Summary by Sections 1. Hong Kong Virtual Asset Regulatory Framework - Different types of licenses are required for various players in the virtual asset space, including VATP licenses for trading platforms and upgraded licenses for existing SFC licensees [2][11] - The entry threshold for stablecoin issuers includes a paid-up capital of at least HK$25 million and compliance with quarterly audits and reserve asset regulations [10][28] 2. Stablecoin Supply Chain - The stablecoin supply chain is divided into three segments: upstream (infrastructure), midstream (issuers and distributors), and downstream (application scenarios) [3][12] - Key players in the midstream include issuers like Circle and Tether, and distributors such as licensed trading platforms and brokers [12][13] 3. Stablecoin Issuance Process - The stablecoin issuance process involves several steps, including user exchange initiation, fund custody, reserve management, and issuance of stablecoins [4][20] - Issuers maintain a 1:1 reserve mechanism to ensure stablecoin value is pegged to fiat currencies, with reserves diversified into cash and low-risk assets [19][20] 4. Profitability Models - Stablecoin issuers generate revenue primarily from interest on reserve assets, while distributors earn from transaction fees and other services [5][23] - The report highlights the clear profitability paths for stablecoin issuers and distributors, emphasizing their potential for resource integration across the supply chain [5][23] 5. Comparison with Mainland China - The report outlines the stablecoin landscape in Hong Kong and mainland China, identifying key participants and their roles within the ecosystem [14][15] - Notable players include custodians, issuers, and distributors, with a focus on the regulatory sandbox initiatives in Hong Kong [16][30] 6. Impact on Traditional Payment Systems - The emergence of stablecoins is expected to disrupt traditional payment models, offering new opportunities for payment service providers to expand their services [31] - Stablecoins may enable payment processors to access diverse payment scenarios and enhance their offerings through technology integration [31]