January 13, 2025
By Our Correspondent
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) , the region’s de facto central bank, announced the launch of a “Supervisory Incubator for Distributed Ledger Technology” Thursday, with a significant emphasis on tokenized deposits. The regulator aims to assist banks in harnessing the advantages of distributed ledger technology (DLT) while mitigating associated risks.
This initiative offers a platform for banks to validate their risk management frameworks before implementing a DLT system, supported by a dedicated team from the HKMA that provides supervisory insights. Banks have the option to conduct live trials as part of this process. Furthermore, the platform is designed to encourage the adoption of best practices within the industry.
Mr. Arthur Yuen, Deputy CEO of the HKMA, stated, “As the banking sector continues to progress, it is crucial that we create an environment conducive to innovation.” He emphasized that the Supervisory Incubator for DLT is a vital element of their strategy to promote the development of DLT-based banking solutions that are secure, efficient, and advantageous for both the industry and the broader community.
This incubator complements various DLT-related sandboxes and initiatives already undertaken by the HKMA. In March, the authority introduced a stablecoin sandbox, followed by the launch of Project Ensemble in August, aimed at supporting its wholesale central bank digital currency (wCBDC) initiative, which focuses on tokenization and tokenized deposits. Several banks have previously outlined their intended activities within this sandbox. In addition to Project Ensemble, the HKMA has broadened its efforts on retail CBDC to include tokenized deposits through the e-HKD+ initiative.
The risks associated with DLT include the possibility of making erroneous design decisions. There is a tendency for individuals to concentrate on the actions of others, which, while informative, can lead to a narrow perspective and result in various institutions repeating the same errors. Our report on tokenized deposits examines both aspects—providing a review of over 70 projects and identifying potential areas that may be overlooked, particularly concerning high-level architecture.