Core Insights - The Hong Kong digital asset ecosystem is experiencing expansion opportunities as regulatory frameworks are being optimized, allowing licensed institutions to broaden their business scope [1][3][4] Regulatory Developments - Hong Kong regulators are loosening restrictions on licensed institutions, with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) recently approving licensed crypto exchanges to offer staking services upon separate approval [3][4] - The regulatory environment is evolving from strict to more permissive, enabling a wider range of products and services within the digital asset space [3][16] - The principle of "same activity, same risks, same regulation" is being adopted to foster a vibrant and innovative digital asset ecosystem [3][16] Competitive Landscape - The Hong Kong cryptocurrency market consists of three main participants: global exchanges without local licenses (e.g., Binance), licensed exchanges and brokers (e.g., OSL and Futu), and offline stores facilitating small-scale crypto transactions [4][17] - Licensed exchanges and brokers have advantages such as connections with local banks, enhanced customer protection, and the ability to conduct marketing activities in Hong Kong [4][17] - OSL's fee structure for OTC trading is 25 basis points, with comprehensive solutions charging 10-15 basis points, and payment services around 2.5%, which is higher than international peers like Coinbase [4][20] Stablecoins and Their Role - Stablecoins play a crucial role in the Hong Kong digital asset ecosystem, with exchanges facilitating a significant volume of stablecoin-related transactions [5][21] - OSL is applying for stablecoin licenses in the EU and considering applications in Hong Kong and Singapore, emphasizing the importance of sustainable use cases for stablecoin issuance [5][21] - The transition from mainstream stablecoins to Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoins may face challenges, leading most licensed institutions to operate primarily as stablecoin distributors rather than issuers [5][21][22] RWA Tokenization - The tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA) in Hong Kong is still in its early stages, with OSL providing end-to-end solutions and custodial services [6][23] - Current RWA transactions are conducted in fiat, limiting the potential for 24/7 trading; however, using stablecoins could enable real-time transactions [6][23][24] - The slow development of RWA tokenization presents opportunities for the application of Hong Kong dollar stablecoins [6][24][25] Cross-Border Payment Solutions - OSL is building a global payment network that supports both crypto and fiat transactions, with stablecoins playing a key role [26][30] - The application of stablecoins in payments can significantly reduce transaction times compared to traditional banking methods, which typically take 2 to 5 business days [28][30]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the stablecoin industry Core Insights - Stablecoins are viewed as a new type of financial infrastructure with the potential to simplify payment processes and enhance the efficiency of financial markets [2][26] - The development of offshore RMB stablecoins is suggested as a priority for China to participate in the stablecoin evolution, while emphasizing that stablecoins are merely a tool for advancing RMB internationalization [1][5] Summary by Sections What are Stablecoins? - Stablecoins are defined as a bridge between the crypto world and the traditional financial system, characterized by a balance of centralization in operation and decentralization in technology [8][9] - They are not considered currency but rather tokens that derive their value from fiat currency reserves [11][12] Recent Attention on Stablecoins - Recent legislative advancements in the US and Hong Kong have heightened interest in stablecoins, alongside significant market events such as Circle's IPO [16][17] - The total market size of stablecoins has surpassed $260 billion, with transaction volumes projected to exceed $15.6 trillion in 2024, surpassing traditional payment platforms like Visa [17][21] Applications and Potential Impact in Financial Markets - Stablecoins enhance payment efficiency, particularly in cross-border transactions, by reducing costs and transaction times compared to traditional systems like SWIFT [40][45] - They also promote financial inclusion, especially in high-inflation economies, by providing a stable asset for savings and transactions [44][46] Impact on the International Monetary System - Stablecoins can increase the penetration of the US dollar while also posing challenges to capital controls in various countries due to their inherent anonymity [4][30] - The rise of stablecoins may lead to increased competition from non-USD stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) [4][5] China's Participation in Stablecoin Development - The report suggests that China should focus on developing offshore RMB stablecoins and creating real-world applications to build a robust ecosystem [5][6] - It emphasizes that the success of RMB as a trusted international currency depends on its legal and functional anchors, rather than solely on stablecoin technology [5][6] Mechanisms and Incentives in the Stablecoin Industry - The stablecoin ecosystem operates on a trust mechanism where the backing of fiat reserves is crucial for maintaining stability and transparency [30][31] - Participants in the stablecoin market, including users, issuers, and custodians, have aligned incentives that drive the ecosystem's growth [31][35] The "Impossible Triangle" of Stablecoins - Stablecoins face a trade-off between price stability, decentralization, and capital efficiency, with most successful stablecoins prioritizing price stability [37][39] - The report highlights that current leading stablecoins are primarily centralized, relying on institutional trust to maintain their value [37][39] Conclusion on Stablecoins as Financial Infrastructure - Stablecoins are positioned as a critical component of the next generation of cross-border digital finance, with the potential to reshape traditional financial systems [26][27] - The report concludes that while stablecoins offer significant advantages, they also introduce new risks and challenges that need to be managed [48][49]

Core Viewpoint - Stablecoins have the potential to become a new type of financial infrastructure, bridging the gap between the crypto world and traditional finance, and their development should be strategically considered by China [2][3]. Group 1: What are Stablecoins? - Stablecoins are defined as "the most decentralized among centralized assets and the most centralized among decentralized assets," highlighting their dual nature of being rooted in blockchain technology while also requiring regulatory oversight [3][7]. - They are linked to fiat currencies, which means they must comply with traditional financial regulations, thus acting as a bridge between the crypto and real worlds [3][8]. - The potential applications of stablecoins include cross-border payments, asset preservation, and integration into decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems [3][22]. Group 2: Impact on Financial Markets - Stablecoins can enhance payment efficiency, offering low-cost and fast transactions, particularly beneficial for cross-border payments [38]. - They can improve financial inclusivity, especially in high-inflation economies, by providing a means for asset preservation [41][42]. - However, stablecoins may pose risks to monetary stability and sovereignty in countries with weak financial systems, potentially undermining local currencies and monetary policies [45][46]. Group 3: Influence on International Monetary System - Stablecoins depend on the credit of fiat currencies, primarily the US dollar, and their rise could reshape global capital flows and the international monetary system [54][56]. - They may create new demand in regions with weak financial infrastructure, acting as a substitute for traditional banking systems [55]. - The emergence of stablecoins could challenge the dominance of the US dollar, as they provide alternative payment channels and may facilitate the rise of non-US currencies [56]. Group 4: China's Participation in Stablecoin Development - China should consider issuing offshore RMB stablecoins as a priority to participate in the development of stablecoins, leveraging its position as a major global trade player [5][57]. - The development of stablecoins could enhance China's financial resilience and flexibility in international trade, providing alternatives to traditional payment methods [57]. - However, the potential for stablecoins to bypass capital controls poses significant regulatory challenges for China [4][57].