Hong Kong extends digital bond ambitions with third offering



Hong Kong is marketing a new set of “digitally native” bonds denominated in multiple currencies, intensifying the city’s drive to become a global hub for digital assets.

The government was looking to sell digital green bonds denominated in US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, euros and offshore yuan, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal could be priced as early as Monday, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter.

If successfully priced, it would mark Hong Kong’s third such sale since 2023.

Digital bonds are debt instruments that use blockchain technology for their issuance, trading and settlement. The notes can be issued through distributed-ledger platforms such as those provided by HSBC Holdings or Goldman Sachs, or on public blockchains like Ethereum, which may offer greater flexibility.

Digital bonds have been gaining momentum in Hong Kong as the government takes steps to encourage tokenised bond issuance. The push has come as policymakers across Asia have been rushing to embrace digital assets, looking to keep pace with US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies.

“Singapore and Dubai have made strong strategic moves in digital assets, posing real competition to Hong Kong,” said Li Han, an analyst at Citic Securities. The city’s legal framework still needs clarity on tokenised bonds, as the existing system is designed based on traditional bonds, Li added.

  • Related Posts

    China blocks helium exports amid Iran war-driven supply crunch – Firstpost

    China on Friday announced a temporary suspension of helium exports, a move expected to help secure domestic supplies of the critical gas as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to disrupt…

    Continue reading
    OpenAI executive Fidji Simo exits full-time role after medical leave – Firstpost

    As OpenAI races to commercialise artificial intelligence at unprecedented speed, one of the executives leading that effort is stepping back. Fidji Simo, the company’s chief of applications, said she will…

    Continue reading

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *