Hong Kong Explores Central Bank Digital Currency

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is exploring the feasibility of issuing a digital currency for the city, joining central banking efforts worldwide to create electronic money.

A paper exploring the feasibility of issuing a retail-focused central bank digital currency (CBDC) will be delivered within 12 months, according to the HKMA at a recent media briefing.

Issues that will be considered in the paper include potential use cases, data privacy, anti-money laundering standards, and more.

In addition, HKMA officials also announced a new trial to explore how Hong Kong residents can top up a digital yuan wallet using the city’s local payment system.

People are now a lot more used to digital payments and if other central banks are exploring possible use cases for CBDCs you have to try out to see whether you can make it successful, said HKMA chief executive Eddie Yue at the briefing.

This marks the second stage of e-CNY trials in Hong Kong following a smaller scale trial also focused on the usage of digital yuan wallets in Hong Kong.