Overview

• HKU confirmed to the South China Morning Post that it is actively exploring digital currency payments after Dean Cai Hongbin said technical preparations are complete.
• The university has not announced a launch date and frames the plan as a demonstration of openness to financial innovation.
• A spokesperson said the school will develop a secure, sustainable framework with partners to advance research, regulation, and real‑world adoption.
• Cai acknowledged price and custodial risks, saying any losses would be borne by the faculty, while lawmaker Johnny Ng suggested instant conversion to Hong Kong dollars and strict KYC/AML checks.
• The exploration coincides with Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime imposing capital, risk, redemption, and AML standards, with the first licenses expected in early 2026, as industry figures like Binance’s Zhao Changpeng urge swift policy execution.