- Beijing suspends the promotion of stablecoin in order to evade market risk.
- Hong Kong introduces a licensing regime of stablecoins that is quite strict but open.
- There is a conflict in the regulatory models, leading to increased cross-border finance tensions.
Chinese financial authorities have limited the promotion of stablecoins on the country’s mainland. They instructed brokerages and research companies to cease all seminars and publications promoting stablecoins out of concerns of speculation and fraud, according to Bloomberg.
The purpose of the action is to calm the growing excitement about crypto coins tethered to the dollar as more people become aware of scams. The difference between Beijing’s cautious attitude and Hong Kong’s strategic acceptance of digital currency innovation is shown by this stark contrast.
Why Beijing is Putting the Brakes on Stablecoins
Chinese officials regard stablecoins as a possible threat to unlawful fundraising initiatives and market volatility. In late July, officials told major brokerages and research firms to cease marketing stablecoins and end related activities.
This is of national concern as Shenzhen authorities cautioned its citizens against scams masquerading as stablecoin investments earlier this year.
For settlements in the cryptocurrency market and international money transfers, stablecoins, blockchain tokens tied to a fiat currency like the US dollar—are widely employed. Yet, Beijing remains wary of these uses.
People Bank of China is exploring the potential of privately issued digital currency with caution but keeping a strict control to avoid frenzy and capital outflow in the market.
Hong Kong’s Bold Leap Forward in Stablecoin Regulation
As Beijing contemplates a change in strategy, Hong Kong introduced a mature stablecoin issuer framework that pledges to provide stringent but predictable licensing criteria, but not so tight as to quash innovation.
In order to keep market quality high, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is expected to offer a small number of licenses initially.
This structure can be associated with the desire of Hong Kong to be the most competitive digital assets hub in Asia. Although customer identity requirements are tight in the new law where it might be perceived by some industry players as a hindrance, Hong Kong is relying on its offshore renminbi pool to attract stablecoin issuers.
That regimen contrasts with a blanket prohibition on most cryptocurrency transactions in the mainland, but is consistent with cross-border aims to replace the yuan as a cross-border currency and to turn offshore trading centers into financial centers.
Geopolitical and Economic Stakes
China faces a complex dilemma. On the one hand, it is afraid that the stablecoins may increase capital flight by using offshore platforms. On the one hand, it can lose access to innovative fintech headed by the U.S. that recently enacted the GENIUS Act that will promote the issuance of stablecoins.
The regime of Hong Kong would be a test bed to test renminbi-pegged stablecoins, based on the large existing market of offshore yuan in the city.
Chinese tech companies such as JD.com have offered to pilot with the People Bank of China. This would fill the gap between conservative mainland policy and global crypto trends.
Regardless of regulatory obstacles, crypto trading in China continues, and there is an approximated 75 billion over-the-counter flows in early 2024.
The rivalry is also a wider rivalry in Asian and world digital finance innovation, where slow and steady control is set against bold strategic risk-taking.
