Key Takeaways:
- Hong Kong positioned digital assets as part of its core infrastructure, signaling strong policy support.
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan said tokenization boosts efficiency and access, driving adoption.
- Stablecoin rules show Hong Kong advancing regulation to expand digital finance activity.
Digital Assets Move Into Mainstream Finance
Hong Kong reinforced its commitment to advancing digital assets on April 20, positioning tokenization and stablecoins as integral to financial market evolution. Financial Secretary Paul Chan used the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026 to outline how digital assets are transitioning into mainstream financial infrastructure with regulatory backing.
Chan emphasized the structural role of digital assets in reshaping finance, linking tokenization directly to efficiency and accessibility gains. He described growing institutional adoption and highlighted Hong Kong’s openness to industry participants.
“ Web3, tokenization and AI are now becoming important building blocks for the future of mainstream finance,” Chan stated, adding:
“Our doors are open to Web3 entrepreneurs and institutions worldwide who want to build and scale their business here.”
The remarks framed digital assets as tools for scaling financial services rather than speculative instruments, while reinforcing the city’s ambition to attract global firms.
Tokenized Bonds and Stablecoin Rules Expand
The speech detailed specific implementations supporting that strategy. Chan pointed to multiple rounds of tokenized green and infrastructure bonds exceeding US$2 billion in value. Those issuances demonstrated how blockchain-based structures can streamline settlement processes and expand investor access. He noted authorities have already normalized such activity within the market framework. Chan stated:
“We are taking the lead in encouraging more tokenization. We have issued multiple rounds of tokenized green and infrastructure bonds amounting to over US$2 billion.”
“These transactions have helped demonstrate how tokenization can improve settlement efficiency and broaden market participation. We have now regularised such issuances,” Chan noted. He also referenced stablecoin issuer licenses, signaling increased regulatory clarity around stablecoins.
Chan concluded by underscoring continued policy support for expanding digital asset applications across sectors. He indicated regulators will maintain a controlled approach while encouraging innovation through pilots and structured programs. The strategy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader goal of embedding tokenization into financial services and cross-border transactions. Chan stressed:
“We are determined to drive more innovative use cases in tokenization.”
The address positioned digital assets as a regulated growth area with measurable economic utility and lasting institutional relevance.