Core Viewpoint - The new stablecoin regulatory framework effective from August 1 in Hong Kong provides a clear landscape for investors in the virtual asset sector, indicating that issuers, licensed exchanges, and related financial and technological service providers will be direct beneficiaries of this compliance-driven market [1][2]. Market Overview - The global stablecoin market has surpassed $230 billion, with major players like Tether and Circle dominating the space, holding nearly 87% of the market share through their USD-pegged stablecoins USDT and USDC, which are valued at over $150 billion and $60 billion respectively [3][4]. - The stablecoin market is categorized into four types: fiat-backed, crypto-backed, commodity-backed, and algorithmic stablecoins, with fiat-backed stablecoins being the most prevalent and the focus of Hong Kong's regulatory efforts [4][8]. Profitability and Business Models - The profitability of stablecoin issuers is primarily derived from reserve asset returns, with companies like Circle investing over 80% of their reserves in short-term U.S. Treasury funds, generating significant interest income [11][14]. - The business model of stablecoin issuers relies on utilizing large user reserves for low-risk investments, with profitability closely tied to the scale of reserves and short-term interest rates [14][15]. Competitive Landscape - The competition in Hong Kong's stablecoin market will center around the most robust and regulatory-favored fiat-backed stablecoins, as the issuance licenses become a critical factor for success [8][16]. - Key players in the ecosystem include issuers, licensed exchanges, traditional brokers, and infrastructure providers, each with distinct roles and revenue models [16][22]. Key Participants - Notable candidates for stablecoin issuance licenses include Standard Chartered, Ant Group, and JD.com, with various projects focusing on different aspects of the market such as cross-border payments and DeFi [17][18]. - Licensed exchanges like OSL are crucial for the circulation and trading of stablecoins, with a significant portion of their revenue coming from digital asset trading and SaaS services [19][22]. Conclusion - The regulatory framework in Hong Kong is set to create a structured environment for stablecoin operations, and companies that can secure licenses and leverage technology and customer bases will be well-positioned to capitalize on the emerging digital finance landscape [22].

Core Insights - The new stablecoin regulatory framework effective from August 1 in Hong Kong provides a clear landscape for investors in the virtual asset sector, indicating that issuers, licensed exchanges, and related service providers will benefit directly from this compliance [1][10]. Market Overview - The global stablecoin market has surpassed $230 billion, with major players like Tether and Circle dominating the space, holding nearly 87% of the market share [4][10]. - The stablecoin market is categorized into four types: fiat-backed, crypto-backed, commodity-backed, and algorithmic stablecoins, with fiat-backed being the most prevalent and the focus of Hong Kong's regulations [4][5]. Profitability Models - Stablecoin issuers have a clear and attractive business model, primarily generating revenue from reserve asset returns, with Circle's income largely derived from investing reserves in low-risk assets like U.S. Treasury funds [6][9]. - The revenue structure for exchanges like OSL shows a significant portion coming from digital asset trading fees, highlighting the monetization pathways available in the ecosystem [11]. Competitive Landscape - The competition for stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong is intensifying, with several companies vying for the first batch of licenses, including Circle, JD Group, and others [10][12]. - Licensed exchanges are crucial for the circulation and trading of stablecoins, with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission having issued multiple licenses to date [10][11]. Key Participants - Key players in the ecosystem include issuers, licensed exchanges, traditional brokers, and infrastructure providers, each with distinct roles and revenue models [10][15]. - Companies with a strong retail customer base and advanced technology platforms, like Futu, are positioned favorably in the competitive landscape [15][17]. Conclusion - The regulatory developments in Hong Kong's stablecoin market present significant opportunities for companies that can secure licenses and leverage their technological and customer advantages to capitalize on the growing digital finance landscape [17].