Hong Kong Launches Pilot Program for e-HKD, the Digital Hong Kong Dollar (CBDC)

Updated: 18 May 2023

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In a significant step towards the global adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced the launch of a pilot program for the e-HKD, a digital version of the Hong Kong dollar. The program aims to explore various use cases for the e-HKD, including online payments, in-store transactions, government payouts, tokenized deposits, tokenized asset settlement, and Web3 trading and clearing. With the participation of prominent financial, payment, and technology companies, this initiative marks a crucial milestone in the development of digital currencies.

Exploring the Potential of e-HKD in Payments and Tokenized Deposits

The pilot program for the e-HKD involves 16 banks and payment companies selecting small groups of clients to test the digital currency’s potential applications. These include online payments, payments at retail stores and restaurants, the collection of government payouts, tokenized deposits, tokenized asset settlement, and Web3 trading and clearing. This comprehensive approach aims to assess the feasibility and practicality of implementing the e-HKD in various financial and commercial scenarios. The launch ceremony, hosted by Eddie Yue Wai-man, the CEO of the HKMA, marks the beginning of this exciting pilot program.

“While the HKMA has not yet made a decision on whether and when to introduce e-HKD, we are excited to kick-start the e-HKD Pilot Program,” Eddie Yue, chief executive of the HKMA, said in a Thursday statement following the launch.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Collaborates with Major Financial Institutions for CBDC Pilot

To ensure a successful pilot program, the HKMA has partnered with leading financial institutions, payment companies, and tech giants. State-owned banks such as the Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are among the operational partners. In addition, prominent banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank are participating, along with payment service providers like Ant Group’s Alipay, Ripple Labs, Visa, and Mastercard. This collaboration between the HKMA and industry leaders demonstrates the widespread interest and support for exploring the potential of a digital Hong Kong dollar.

The pilot program will enable the participants to test the infrastructure, security, and operational aspects of the e-HKD in a controlled experimental environment known as a sandbox. By doing so, the HKMA aims to gather valuable insights and address any concerns or challenges that may arise before fully rolling out the digital currency. The results of the pilot will be compiled in a report scheduled to be released in November, following which the HKMA will make further decisions regarding the future implementation of the e-HKD.

Digital Transformation in Hong Kong and the Global CBDC Landscape

Hong Kong has witnessed a significant digital transformation in recent years, with the rise of virtual banks and the increased adoption of online banking services. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the shift towards digital payments, with digital wallets such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, and Octopus gaining popularity. By 2025, digital wallets are anticipated to overtake credit cards as Hong Kong’s preferred electronic payment option, according to a report by FIS.

The implementation of the e-HKD brings Hong Kong in line with the worldwide movement towards developing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Presently, approximately 100 central banks across the globe are engaged in studying digital currencies, and a number of countries have already commenced pilot programs. Notably, the Bahamas introduced the Sand Dollar in 2020, and China has been actively testing the e-CNY. Through its pilot program for the e-HKD, the HKMA establishes Hong Kong as a leading innovator in CBDCs, serving as an inspiration for other central banks, including the United States, to intensify their endeavors in this domain.

As Hong Kong embraces the potential of a digital future, the launch of the e-HKD pilot program marks a crucial step towards the adoption of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).