券商中国·2025-08-01 01:36Core Viewpoint - The issuance of stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong has officially begun, with a limited number of licenses expected to be granted, likely to major banks and financial institutions [1][4][5]. Group 1: License Application and Eligibility - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has set specific criteria for stablecoin issuer license applications, including financial conditions, personnel qualifications, reserve assets, and custody requirements [1][3]. - Major banks such as Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) are expected to be among the first to apply for stablecoin licenses due to regulatory compliance and business needs [1][5]. - The initial phase of license issuance is expected to be cautious, with only a few licenses (possibly 2-3) being granted [4][6]. Group 2: Role of Financial Institutions - Securities firms are likely to focus on trading, custody, financing, and consulting related to stablecoins, rather than applying for stablecoin issuer licenses themselves [2][9]. - A total of 44 financial institutions have upgraded their virtual asset trading licenses, with most being local securities firms [12][13]. - The upgrade of trading licenses is a prerequisite for firms to offer services related to stablecoins and other virtual assets [13][14]. Group 3: Application Scenarios and Market Potential - The application scenarios for stablecoins include digital asset trading, cross-border payments in global trade, and traditional asset tokenization [7][8]. - The use of stablecoins in different regions varies, with financial applications being more prominent in Europe and North America, while B2B trade is expected to be a focus in Asia, Africa, and Latin America [8]. - The potential for stablecoins as a stable medium of exchange and value storage tool in virtual asset trading is highlighted, with firms like Futu Securities reporting increased trading volumes and customer engagement [14]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Risks - The market is keen on the emergence of offshore RMB-denominated stablecoins, with recent developments indicating a growing interest in this area [15][16]. - The commercial model for stablecoins remains unclear, and there are concerns about market speculation and the safety of reserve assets [16].