The financial ties between Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been growing ever closer, and plans to strengthen their financial cooperation further are already underway. During a meeting in Abu Dhabi, topics like trade settlements, financial infrastructure, and virtual assets were discussed. The UAE has been a frontrunner in digital currency, with the SCA allowing crypto firms to apply for licenses. Hong Kong’s Hex Trust was one of the first to receive the approval. Finoverse, a Hong Kong-based fintech and web3 platform, is optimistic about increased collaboration between Hong Kong and Dubai.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Enhance Cross-Border Trade Settlements
Cross-border trade settlements could be drastically improved with the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), much like the UAE’s Digital Dirham which is expected to be fully operational by mid-2024. It is part of the UAE’s nine flagship initiatives under the Financial Infrastructure Transformation Program. UAE’s central banks are in talks with G42 Cloud and R3 to establish a bilateral CBDC Bridge with India.
Things are slightly more complicated in Hong Kong as because of the city’s high degree of autonomy until 2047, and there is a concern that Beijing is gradually introducing pro-Chinese candidates into positions of power. Hong Kong has announced plans to trial an electronic version of the Hong Kong Dollar (e-HKD). 16 organizations will join the experiment to explore use cases such as payments, tokenized deposits, and asset settlements.
The collaboration between the two financial hubs could advance the CBDC landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. It could enable a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable digital exchange across markets, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Cryptocurrency’s Growing Importance in UAE and Hong Kong Financial Cooperation
The collaboration is no coincidence; cryptocurrency is becoming an undeniable prospect within the two jurisdictions. Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission recently allowed retail investors access to digital assets, applauded by Christopher Hui. “Virtual assets are going to stay,” he pointed out, highlighting the key role of regulations in the matter. CoinEx, Huobi, and OKX are awaiting final approval to operate in Hong Kong, signaling a new era in digital finance.
The combination of the UAE and Hong Kong’s rich financial infrastructure could bring about an innovative new ecosystem for users. They can enhance each other’s strengths, unlocking new opportunities in financial services and trading strategies in the APAC market. This would be a significant CBDC advancement, positioning both regions as trendsetters in virtual assets and digital finance.
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