Why Stablecoin Stocks Are Surging in Hong Kong and the U.S.

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The global capital markets have recently witnessed a dramatic surge in stablecoin-related stocks, driven by regulatory advancements and growing institutional interest. With Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and parallel regulatory momentum in the U.S. and other financial hubs, investor enthusiasm has reached new heights.

Take Guotai Junan International (01788.HK), for example — its shares skyrocketed 198% on June 25 alone. Even after corrections, it posted a weekly gain of 167%. Across the Pacific, U.S.-listed Robinhood (HOOD.US) rose nearly 7% on June 30, while Circle (CRCL.US), often dubbed the “first stablecoin IPO,” gained over 3%. Circle’s market debut on June 5 saw its stock jump from $31 to $64 — a 106% surge — and within eight trading days, its value briefly quadrupled.

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This isn’t just speculative frenzy. According to Chainalysis, the total value of global stablecoins exceeded $230 billion by June 4, 2025, reflecting robust adoption and trust in this asset class. But what exactly are stablecoins, and why are they suddenly capturing so much attention?

What Are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to external assets such as fiat currencies (like the U.S. dollar or euro) or physical commodities like gold. They act as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized digital ecosystems.

Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins offer price stability — making them ideal for everyday transactions, cross-border payments, savings, and use in decentralized financial (DeFi) applications.

Major Types of Stablecoins

These digital assets combine blockchain efficiency with monetary stability, enabling faster settlements, lower fees, and broader financial inclusion — especially in emerging markets.

Key Drivers Behind the Stablecoin Boom

While stablecoins have existed for years, their recent explosion in popularity stems largely from regulatory clarity and institutional adoption.

1. Hong Kong’s Landmark Stablecoin Ordinance

On May 21, 2025, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council passed the Stablecoin Ordinance, requiring all issuers to obtain licenses and maintain fully reserved backing assets. This positions Hong Kong as a leading hub for digital finance in Asia.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has already launched a Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox, with early participants including:

These entities are expected to launch Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoins such as HKDG, JD-HKD, and HKDR, targeting use cases in cross-border remittances and DeFi platforms.

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2. U.S. Regulatory Momentum: The GENIUS Act

In the United States, the Senate is advancing the GENIUS Act (Generative, Efficient, Non-inflationary, and Uniform Stablecoin) — legislation focused on regulating payment-oriented stablecoins. Key provisions include:

Expected to pass in early June 2025, this bill aims to restore confidence in digital payments and encourage mainstream financial institutions to integrate stablecoin solutions.

3. Global Regulatory Alignment

Hong Kong and the U.S. aren’t alone. Countries including the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India are actively drafting or consulting on stablecoin regulations. This coordinated global movement signals a maturing industry where legitimacy and investor protection come first.

Market Impact: Who Stands to Gain?

The regulatory tailwinds have triggered a rally across multiple sectors:

✅ Hong Kong Listed Stocks Surge

On June 30 alone:

✅ Institutional Players Enter the Arena

Traditional financial giants are no longer sitting on the sidelines:

✅ Infrastructure Enablers Benefit

Behind every successful stablecoin ecosystem are critical support players:

As policy frameworks solidify and transaction volumes grow — projected to exceed $12 trillion globally in 2024, up 25% year-on-year — these enablers will play an increasingly vital role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are stablecoins safe to use?

A: Yes — when issued by regulated entities with full reserve backing. Regulations like Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance require audited reserves and licensing, significantly reducing risk compared to unregulated alternatives.

Q: How do stablecoins differ from regular cryptocurrencies?

A: While Bitcoin and Ethereum fluctuate widely in value, stablecoins maintain price stability through asset pegs (e.g., USD). This makes them better suited for payments, remittances, and storing value without volatility risk.

Q: Can I earn interest on stablecoins?

A: Yes — many DeFi platforms and centralized finance (CeFi) services offer yield-bearing accounts where users can lend their stablecoins and earn returns in real time.

Q: Will all countries regulate stablecoins soon?

A: Most major economies are already moving toward regulation. With risks around monetary sovereignty and financial stability, governments recognize the need for oversight — but also see opportunities in innovation and efficiency gains.

Q: What happens if a stablecoin issuer goes bankrupt?

A: Under new laws like the U.S. GENIUS Act and Hong Kong’s Ordinance, user funds must be held in segregated reserves, offering protection even if the issuer fails — a major step forward in consumer safety.

👉 Learn how regulated innovation is redefining trust in digital finance.

The Road Ahead

The convergence of clear regulation, institutional participation, and technological maturity has created a perfect storm for stablecoin growth. As Hong Kong establishes itself as Asia’s crypto gateway and the U.S. moves toward federal standards, investors are betting on long-term transformation — not just short-term gains.

From cross-border trade to programmable money in DeFi protocols, stablecoins are no longer niche tools but foundational components of next-generation financial systems.

With giants like Standard Chartered, JD.com, BlackRock, and Ant Group stepping in, the narrative has shifted: stablecoins are not just surviving — they’re becoming part of the mainstream financial fabric.

For traders, developers, and everyday users alike, this regulatory-driven boom marks the beginning of a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent financial era — one digital dollar at a time.