Hong Kong Sets Web3 Pace With New Staking Rules, Eyes Stablecoin Bill Next

• Hong Kong crypto exchanges can now offer staking services under new SFC guidelines.
• Stablecoin regulations are expected to pass later this year as part of Hong Kong’s Web3 vision.
• Officials revealed progress on tokenization and hinted at a new digital asset policy.

Hong Kong’s (HK) Web3 vision is beginning to take shape as regulators roll out major updates for the digital asset sector, including crypto staking permissions and upcoming stablecoin legislation.

The announcements came during the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025, where key officials from government and finance signaled even more reforms to come as part of the city’s ongoing push to lead in digital innovation.

Hong Kong Approves Crypto Staking for Exchanges

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has formally approved crypto staking services for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs), provided they meet strict oversight requirements.

According to the new guidance, VATPs must receive authorization from the SFC and cannot outsource staking to third parties.

Platforms are also required to maintain control of all staking mediums and disclose risks related to slashing, validator downtime, lock-up periods and technical vulnerabilities such as hacking.

The SFC noted that while staking enhances blockchain resilience and incentivizes users, it must be accompanied by transparency and strong investor protections.

The release coincided with a speech from SFC Executive Director Christina Choi at the Web3 Festival, where she called Web3 the “next technological frontier” and encouraged the financial sector to embrace crypto and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

Web3 Roadmap in Motion

The developments are part of Hong Kong’s broader ASPIRe roadmap —short for Access, Safeguards, Products, Infrastructure and Relationships—unveiled in February 2025.

Speaking at the event, Financial Secretary Paul Chan reiterated Hong Kong’s commitment to Web3, noting progress on crypto ETFs and RWA tokenization projects such as the HKMA’s “Project Ensemble” sandbox.

Chan confirmed that comprehensive stablecoin regulations are nearing finalization, with legislation expected to pass this year. He also revealed that a second policy statement on virtual assets will be released soon.

“It will cover how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies,” he said.

The Financial Secretary ended his speech by noting Hong Kong’s commitment to harnessing creativity and innovation “for the benefit of the people,” adding that the city will continue collaborating with innovators and entrepreneurs “from around the world” to push the boundaries of possibility and “leverage Web3 for the greater good.”

Why Hong Kong’s Web3 Push Matters

Hong Kong’s regulatory green light for staking, along with its push for stablecoin oversight and RWA tokenization, signals its intent to become a global hub for compliant digital finance.

The region’s collaborative approach—balancing innovation with regulation—could shape policy discussions in neighboring markets and among institutional investors seeking clarity in the Web3 space.

With the second virtual asset policy statement on the way, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Hong Kong continues to blend forward-thinking technology with financial tradition.