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Standard Chartered Chief Sees Finance Moving to Blockchains as Hong Kong Opens Exchanges to Global Liquidity

He cites Hong Kong’s tokenization pilots as a path to digital trade settlement.

Overview

  • Speaking at Hong Kong FinTech Week on Nov. 3, CEO Bill Winters said nearly all transactions will eventually settle on blockchains and all money will be digital, calling it a “complete rewiring” that will require experimentation.
  • Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission said licensed platforms may connect to shared global order books to tap international liquidity, subject to pre-funding, delivery‑versus‑payment, unified surveillance, and client‑asset protections.
  • Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong unit formed a joint venture with Animoca Brands and HKT and is participating in the HKMA stablecoin issuer sandbox to pursue an HKD‑backed stablecoin license.
  • The bank has broadened its digital‑asset infrastructure, including institutional spot trading for Bitcoin and Ether launched in July 2025 and expanded crypto custody capabilities in the European Union.
  • SC Ventures said it plans a $250 million fund in 2026 dedicated to digital assets and blockchain technology.