Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) confirms that new banking capital regulations for digital assets, aligned with Basel standards, will officially take effect from 1/1/2026. This regulation could significantly impact major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as influence the operations of financial institutions in Hong Kong.
According to HKMA, the Supervisory Policy Module SPM CRP-1 issued on 11/27/2025 has outlined how to classify digital assets according to Basel standards, laying the groundwork for the upcoming legal framework. Stricter regulation helps Hong Kong strengthen its role as a proactive financial hub in the cryptocurrency sector, while potentially creating a ripple effect that encourages other financial centers to develop similar regulatory frameworks.
Although there has not yet been a strong reaction from the market or major crypto leaders, this move indicates that digital assets are increasingly recognized within the traditional financial system, contributing to market stability in the medium and long term.