Core Viewpoint - The rise of stablecoins has attracted many ordinary investors, but the associated risks are often overlooked, as highlighted by a significant scam involving a platform that defrauded 200 million people out of 18 billion stablecoins [1] Regulatory Environment - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) emphasizes that stringent regulations may limit the short-term expansion of stablecoin businesses, but a cautious approach is more beneficial for sustainable market development [1] - The HKMA and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have urged the public to remain cautious and make informed investment decisions, especially in volatile environments [2] Stablecoin Applications and Benefits - Stablecoins can enhance efficiency and reduce costs in financial transactions, particularly in B2B cross-border trade, by utilizing blockchain technology [3] - Compared to traditional systems like SWIFT, stablecoins can facilitate instant settlements with significantly lower transaction fees [3] - In countries facing high inflation, stablecoins provide a means for residents to access stable currencies, thus serving as a hedge against inflation [4] Challenges in Adoption - The complexity of using stablecoins for retail payments presents a barrier, as users must navigate various technical requirements and coordinate with counterparties [4] - The high liquidity of stablecoins makes it difficult to trace the flow of funds in cases of fraud, posing challenges for recovery compared to traditional financial systems [5] Regulatory Measures - The introduction of the Stablecoin Regulation in Hong Kong mandates that issuers must operate with a license and maintain high-quality reserve assets to enhance transparency and reduce fraud risks [5][6] - The regulation requires licensed institutions to comply with strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures, ensuring transparency in fund sources and transactions [6] Risks and Vulnerabilities - Concerns regarding the transparency of reserve assets backing stablecoins, such as USDT, have been raised, with investigations revealing that a significant portion of its assets may not be fully backed [8] - The risk of stablecoins deviating from their pegged value can occur during market panic or liquidity crises, as demonstrated by the USDC incident following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank [9] Recommendations for Improvement - To enhance the security of stablecoins, it is suggested that issuers undergo independent audits of their reserve assets and implement dynamic reserve management practices [12] - Establishing a vulnerability response fund to encourage the reporting of security issues by experts can help mitigate risks associated with smart contract vulnerabilities [10] Future Outlook - The regulatory framework in Hong Kong positions it as a leader in stablecoin management, balancing innovation with necessary oversight [12][13] - The challenge remains to find a balance between strict regulation and fostering financial innovation in the stablecoin space [13]