Hong Kong is preparing to issue a new batch of government-backed digital green bonds, deepening its move into blockchain-based finance as it tries to position itself as a leading global hub for tokenized assets.
The offering, Hong Kong’s third digital bond sale since 2023, will be denominated in US dollars, euros, offshore yuan and Hong Kong dollars, Bloomberg reported citing sources familiar with the issuance. Pricing could be finalized as early as today.
These are so-called digitally native bonds, meaning they are created and settled entirely on blockchain-based platforms. The infrastructure for this latest issue will come from HSBC.
The green label indicates that the funds raised will go toward environmental or climate-focused projects. The city has been pushing to become a blockchain hub, while facing competition from other regions including Singapore and Dubai.
Appetite for blockchain-based debt appears to be growing. Corporations have issued at least six tokenized bonds in the city so far, raising a combined $1 billion, according to the report.
Recent issuers include state-backed firms like Shenzhen Futian Investment Holdings and Shandong Hi-Speed Holdings Group.
S&P gave the notes an AA+ rating. According to the firm, risks tied to digital issuance are buffered by a fail-safe that allows the bonds to shift back into traditional systems if needed.