Hong Kong is targeting new banking rules aimed at aligning its regulatory framework with international standards on cryptoasset exposures, as part of efforts to manage financial risks while supporting innovation in the banking sector.
The Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2025, the Banking (Disclosure) (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the Banking (Exposure Limits) (Amendment) Rules 2025 were officially published on Friday.
The amendments are designed to implement the prudential standards on cryptoasset exposures developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), which are scheduled to take effect globally from January 1, 2026.
The rules cover capital requirements, disclosure obligations, and exposure limits that banks in Hong Kong must observe in relation to cryptoasset holdings.
The government said the amendments aim to provide a “robust and prudent regulatory framework” for cryptoassets, ensuring that financial institutions can engage in digital asset-related activities responsibly without undermining financial stability.
“In formulating the amendment rules, we have conducted several rounds of consultations with the industry and taken local circumstances into account,” a Hong Kong Monetary Authority spokesperson said.
Aside from implementing the Basel cryptoasset standards, the government is also using this opportunity to adjust parts of the Banking (Capital) Rules and Banking (Exposure Limits) Rules to better align with evolving international practices and reflect feedback from banks and regulators.
The government noted that the changes are informed by actual implementation experience, regulatory developments, and industry feedback.
The amendment rules are scheduled to be tabled at the Legislative Council on July 16. Subject to legislative procedures, they will take effect from January 1, 2026, in line with the BCBS timeline.
Hong Kong’s move follows similar steps by other jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region as regulators work to contain potential risks from the growing integration of cryptoassets into traditional financial systems.
