Asia's weekly crypto digest covers Hong Kong stablecoin pilots, Japan's on-chain finance push, Jiangsu's RWA warning, MOEX futures launch, and North Korean wallet theft.
Security & Exploits ·
Hong Kong's financial regulator is advancing regulated stablecoin trading on licensed platforms and plans to pilot tokenized Exchange Fund Bills by year-end 2026, according to Christopher Hui, the city's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. The effort reflects a broader strategy positioning digital assets as a growth engine for the region, with digital bonds issued in Hong Kong representing roughly 50% of the global total. A digital asset platform will launch within the year to handle issuance and settlement.
Japan's Financial Services Agency has formally prioritized blockchain-based "on-chain finance" in its 2026 policy agenda, mandating advancement of tokenized deposits and stablecoins while maintaining user and financial system safeguards. The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25% in a 7-to-2 vote, citing moderate economic recovery despite regional tensions. Japan plans to establish an "On-Chain Finance Forum for the AI Era" and will host public-private dialogue on cross-border payments during Fintech Week 2027.
Elsewhere in Asia, North Korean hackers allegedly stole approximately 7,000 crypto wallets according to Japanese authorities, while Russia's MOEX exchange plans to launch Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures. Jiangsu province has issued warnings that RWA financing schemes constitute illegal activity, though details on enforcement remain unclear.