Hey folks! #HongKong ’s new stablecoin rules: what happened and how it impacted the local market?
The #stablecoin licensing regime kicked in on August 1, 2025. The reaction was instant:
📉 Market size fell 32.94% in the first week.
💱 $USDT transfer volume for store-based providers dropped by 43.20%.
🏢 Non-store providers saw a 30.65% decrease.
Why did it happen?
➡️ Strict rules forced many #OTC desks to pause or shut down.
➡️ New ID requirements removed anonymity (key OTC driver).
➡️ Market is in a compliance-driven “reset” phase.
While retail OTC volumes are down, the rules are designed to make Honk Kong a trusted global hub. Big players like #StandardChartered are already moving to issue regulated stablecoins under the new framework.