Will Hong Kong Become the Ultimate Web3 Promised Land?
Will Hong Kong Become the Ultimate Web3 Promised Land? By Squadron Lending

Will Hong Kong Become the Ultimate Web3 Promised Land?

Amidst regulatory crackdowns in the United States and skepticism surrounding the cryptocurrency industry, Hong Kong emerged as a bright spot, embracing the potential of Web3 with open arms. But can it outshine other tech-savvy hubs in Asia?

Hong Kong’s Warm Embrace for Web3

While the United States and many other countries tighten crypto restrictions after the FTX Exchange and Silvergate Bank’s collapse, Hong Kong takes a different approach. On 11 April 2023, the city’s government celebrated the establishment of the Institute of Web 3.0 Hong Kong, with the Chief Executive showing his support. Then, the three-day Hong Kong Web3 Festival attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees, a testament to the technology’s excitement in the city.

Hong Kong’s government has committed HKD 50 million to promote Web3 development in its 2023-24 Budget, and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) plans to issue Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP) licenses starting 01 June 2023. This new regime aims to provide a more open approach, allowing retail trading platforms to operate while implementing enhanced protective measures.

Banks Join the Crypto Party

ZA Bank’s CEO, Ronald Lu, has announced plans to offer crypto-to-fiat exchange services to licensed trading platforms. Additionally, Hong Kong branches of the Bank of Communications, Bank of China, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank have reportedly begun offering banking services to local crypto firms or plan to enter the space soon.
The Web3 Battleground in Asia

Years ago, when cryptocurrencies just emerged, the Hong Kong government adopted an unclear stance towards these digital assets. Nonetheless, Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure once gave it a competitive edge in the race to attract crypto firms across Asia.

In more recent times, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong in cryptocurrency thanks to its forward-thinking regulatory approach. However, recent controversies involving Singapore-based companies like Three Arrows Capital and FTX made Singapore take a more cautious approach to cryptocurrencies, raising questions about the city’s status as a global crypto hub.

Japan and South Korea are also contenders in the crypto race. South Korea is currently working on cryptocurrency legislation, while Japan recently published a Web3 whitepaper outlining regulatory proposals for everything from NFTs to DAOs.

This time, with the clear and solid support of the government, Hong Kong strives to become the leader in interest rate hikes in Asia.

▲Chief Executive Lee Kar-Chiu and major officials attended the inauguration ceremony of the Institute of Web 3.0 Hong Kong.
▲Chief Executive Lee Kar-Chiu and major officials attended the inauguration ceremony of the Institute of Web 3.0 Hong Kong.

 

Uncertainties and Opportunities of Hong Kong’s Web3 Journey

Hong Kong’s Web3 journey is not without challenges. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is studying stablecoin regulations and plans to introduce a digital Hong Kong dollar. Earlier this year, the Monetary Authority said it would ban algorithmic stablecoins. It stated that stablecoins must be pegged to a particular value, allowing holders to redeem fiat currency in the short term. However, details of the city’s stance on stablecoin oversight still need to be clarified.

Navigating the unique geopolitical landscape also poses a significant challenge for Hong Kong as it aspires to become a Web3 leader. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong must balance its drive for autonomy and innovation with adherence to China’s broader regulatory framework.

Despite China’s increasingly strict stance on cryptocurrencies and decentralized technologies, there is a glimmer of hope in the fact that the Institute of Web 3.0 Hong Kong and banks’ active participation in Web3 service appear to have Beijing’s support.
This support could potentially provide Hong Kong with some leeway to maintain a distinct regulatory environment while ensuring alignment with the central government’s policies. However, it remains to be seen how much latitude the city will be granted in the long run. This delicate balance and the uncertainties it brings could impact the confidence of crypto companies seeking a stable and supportive environment for their ventures.

The Next Web3 Rising Star?

As other regions tighten regulations and stifle innovation, crypto companies look to Hong Kong with hope. Hong Kong has set its sights on becoming a global Web3 leader with government support, banking sector participation, and a thriving community of enthusiasts.

However, the city faces stiff competition from other Asian hubs and must navigate the challenges of regulatory uncertainty. Striking the right balance between oversight and innovation will be critical but complex and difficult. Whether the city can forge its unique path in Web3 regulation is something only time can tell.