Scammers Target Hong Kong Stablecoin Licences Before First Tokens Go Live

Wednesday, 29/04/2026 | 17:10 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • Earlier this month, it approved its first stablecoin licences under the HKMA framework, with HSBC and Anchorpoint Financial as initial issuers.
  • Fake stablecoins impersonating newly licensed issuers appeared before launches expected in 2026 or later.
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Fraudsters have begun promoting fake digital tokens linked to two newly licensed stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, even though neither firm has launched a product.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, HSBC, and Anchorpoint Financial issued separate warnings on Tuesday. They said tokens using the tickers “HKDAP” and “HSBC” have appeared in the market but are not connected to the licensed entities.

The incident follows Hong Kong’s approval of its first stablecoin issuer licenses under the HKMA framework earlier this month, which was introduced in August last year. The regulator said the approvals marked the first under the regime, with Anchorpoint Financial and HSBC among the first two entities licensed.

No Regulated Stablecoins Issued, HKMA Says

The HKMA said both issuers have confirmed that no regulated stablecoins have been issued to date.

HSBC said it “has not yet issued any stablecoins in Hong Kong,” adding that its planned Hong Kong dollar-pegged token will be distributed only through official channels, including PayMe and the HSBC HK Mobile App, when launched in the second half of 2026.

Regulator Can Suspend Stablecoin Issuers

Anchorpoint Financial said it has not issued any tokens since receiving its license from the HKMA on April 10 and has not launched any product under the HKDAP name. It urged users to “verify information through official sources” and use only regulated channels.

Under the rules, fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers must be licensed by the HKMA and meet requirements on reserves, redemption rights, governance, and anti-money laundering controls. The regulator can impose fines, suspend operations, or revoke licenses.

Fraudsters have begun promoting fake digital tokens linked to two newly licensed stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, even though neither firm has launched a product.

Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!).

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, HSBC, and Anchorpoint Financial issued separate warnings on Tuesday. They said tokens using the tickers “HKDAP” and “HSBC” have appeared in the market but are not connected to the licensed entities.

The incident follows Hong Kong’s approval of its first stablecoin issuer licenses under the HKMA framework earlier this month, which was introduced in August last year. The regulator said the approvals marked the first under the regime, with Anchorpoint Financial and HSBC among the first two entities licensed.

No Regulated Stablecoins Issued, HKMA Says

The HKMA said both issuers have confirmed that no regulated stablecoins have been issued to date.

HSBC said it “has not yet issued any stablecoins in Hong Kong,” adding that its planned Hong Kong dollar-pegged token will be distributed only through official channels, including PayMe and the HSBC HK Mobile App, when launched in the second half of 2026.

Regulator Can Suspend Stablecoin Issuers

Anchorpoint Financial said it has not issued any tokens since receiving its license from the HKMA on April 10 and has not launched any product under the HKDAP name. It urged users to “verify information through official sources” and use only regulated channels.

Under the rules, fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers must be licensed by the HKMA and meet requirements on reserves, redemption rights, governance, and anti-money laundering controls. The regulator can impose fines, suspend operations, or revoke licenses.

About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq is a financial writer with 15 years of experience covering global markets. His work spans technical analysis, forex broker reviews, and market sentiment, with a focus on topics relevant to retail traders. He joined Finance Magnates in 2023. At Finance Magnates, he serves as News Editor, covering retail forex and CFD brokers, cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech firms, and regulatory developments shaping the trading industry. He holds an Honours degree in Information Technology from Anfell College, London. Education: Honours degree Information Technology, Anfell College, London
  • 2276 Articles
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