Hong Kong Sets 10-Year Roadmap for Tokenization and Digital Market Growth

TLDR

  • Hong Kong’s 10-year roadmap focuses on tokenizing RWAs and strengthening digital finance infrastructure.
  • The Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) outlines a phased approach for market transformation.
  • Short-term goals include refining listing channels and testing new financial instruments.
  • Medium-term focus includes expanding Connect schemes and integrating blockchain for cross-border workflows.
  • Hong Kong plans to establish itself as a multi-asset, multi-currency capital hub by 2035.

Hong Kong has launched a 10-year roadmap to transform its capital markets, with a focus on tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs). The plan aims to position the city as a global leader in digital finance. Authorities emphasize building robust infrastructure for tokenized finance rather than standalone products.

Hong Kong’s Vision for Tokenized Capital Markets

The Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) has laid out an ambitious plan for the coming decade. The city aims to introduce tokenized finance as a core element of its market structure. The roadmap focuses on tokenized issuance, smart contracts, and real-time settlement systems. These components will drive the future evolution of Hong Kong’s capital markets.

Hong Kong’s asset management sector is set to grow, with assets under management reaching HK$35.1 trillion by the end of 2024. Despite this, other global financial centers are enhancing their own digital finance capabilities. Hong Kong must diversify and strengthen its financial systems to maintain its competitive edge.

The FSDC’s strategy outlines specific timelines for achieving its goals. In the short term, within six to 24 months, Hong Kong will refine listing channels and support innovation-driven firms. Pilots of new instruments will also be conducted to test market responses.

Phased Approach to Market Transformation

The medium-term plan, covering two to five years, will broaden Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem. Efforts will focus on extending existing Connect schemes and introducing new private-asset platforms. The goal is to integrate blockchain-enabled workflows into the market for smoother cross-border operations.

By the long-term phase, over five to 10 years, Hong Kong seeks to scale tokenization-enabled issuances. The city also plans to develop offshore renminbi markets and further expand its debt capital market. These steps will help establish Hong Kong as a multi-asset, multi-currency capital hub.

The FSDC envisions Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure becoming more sophisticated as the global market becomes more digital. These upgrades will enable more efficient capital formation, paving the way for innovation-driven economic growth. The city will solidify its role as a leading digital finance hub in the region.

A Strong Foundation for Market Development

Hong Kong already has a solid foundation to build upon, with its internationally recognized legal and regulatory framework. The Connect schemes provide two-way access between Chinese and global investors, further supporting this strategy. Hong Kong’s banking, asset management, and legal services sectors offer strong professional capabilities.

Hong Kong is positioning itself for future market leadership by enhancing infrastructure and deepening investor access. The roadmap sets clear, practical steps to ensure that Hong Kong remains competitive in an evolving global space.

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Source: https://blockonomi.com/hong-kong-sets-10-year-roadmap-for-tokenization-and-digital-market-growth/