Hong Kong’s stablecoin law holds promise for e-CNY, cross-border flows: Morgan Stanley


Hong Kong dollar stablecoins could become a key link between China’s digital yuan and top global digital assets, potentially transforming cross-border investment and accelerating yuan internationalisation, according to Morgan Stanley.

Local currency-backed stablecoins could provide a pathway for mainland China’s e-CNY – the country’s only legal digital currency backed by the government – to gain a foothold globally while advancing Beijing’s drive to internationalise its currency and counter US dollar dominance, Laura Wang, the bank’s chief China equity strategist, said in a written interview last week.

Hong Kong’s stablecoin ordinance, which took effect at the beginning of the month, allows for real-time, low-cost transactions and is designed to support cross-border use. The e-CNY is backed by the People’s Bank of China and is undergoing a pilot scheme for cross-border payments in Hong Kong.

“In theory, HKD stablecoins could act as a bridge between e-CNY and global digital assets,” said Wang. International investors could convert the world’s largest stablecoins, USDT and USDC, into Hong Kong dollar stablecoins and then into e-CNY, and invest in Hong Kong-listed assets or tokenised securities, she added.

Laura Wang, chief China equity strategist at Morgan Stanley. Photo: Handout
Laura Wang, chief China equity strategist at Morgan Stanley. Photo: Handout

“This creates a pathway for [yuan]-linked capital flows without violating mainland capital controls,” she said. “It also supports [the yuan] internationalisation through offshore channels.”

  • 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    Your email address will not be published.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 *