Crypto Journalist
Anas Hassan
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Hong Kong launched a public consultation on implementing the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and amended Common Reporting Standard (CRS), aiming to begin automatic exchange of crypto tax information with partner jurisdictions by 2028.
The government plans to complete legislative amendments in 2026, strengthening the city’s commitment to international tax cooperation while maintaining its reputation as a global financial hub amid evolving digital asset regulations.
Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui announced “Hong Kong will make amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (the Ordinance) for implementing CARF and the newly amended CRS” and demonstrated a commitment to combating cross-border tax evasion.
The automatic exchange will operate on a reciprocal basis with partners meeting data confidentiality and security standards, with the newly amended CRS implementation scheduled for 2029.
Framework Responds to Rapid Digital Asset Growth
The OECD published CARF in 2023 following the rapid expansion of the digital asset market in recent years, providing automatic exchange of crypto transaction tax information similar to Hong Kong’s existing CRS framework, operational since 2018.
The new framework incorporated digital financial products and enhanced reporting requirements, addressing gaps in traditional financial account information exchange.
Hong Kong has been exchanging financial account information automatically with partner jurisdictions annually since 2018 under the CRS, enabling tax authorities to use the information for assessments and to detect tax evasion.
The CARF extension builds upon this established infrastructure, applying similar transparency standards to crypto assets that process billions in trading volume across the city’s licensed exchanges.
The government proposes mandatory registration for financial institutions to enhance identification, alongside increased penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
These measures respond to the OECD’s second-round peer review of Hong Kong’s CRS administrative framework effectiveness, which began in 2024 and examines the city’s commitment to global tax transparency standards.
Balancing Innovation and Compliance Pressures
The consultation arrives as Hong Kong navigates competing pressures between fostering digital asset innovation and satisfying international regulatory standards.
The city has pursued aggressive fintech expansion through its new “Fintech 2030” strategy launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, focusing on data, artificial intelligence, resilience, and tokenization under the DART framework.
Hong Kong has courted crypto activity through licensing regimes and spot crypto exchange-traded funds, seeking regulated venues for demand.
Securities and Futures Commission Chief Executive Julia Leung recently announced licensed crypto exchanges will soon connect with global order books, ending the city’s isolated trading model and enabling local platforms to tap broader liquidity.
Despite regulatory openness, authorities have drawn bright lines between market infrastructure and listed issuers relying on speculative token holdings.
The stock exchange questioned at least five companies seeking to pivot to crypto treasury models, while the SFC warned retail investors about risks tied to digital asset treasury strategies after observing substantial premiums above asset holdings.
Amidst all these, HashKey Holdings advanced toward becoming Hong Kong’s first listed crypto exchange, clearing the stock exchange’s listing hearing and preparing to raise at least $200 million through an initial public offering scheduled before year-end.
The company accounts for more than 75% of Hong Kong’s onshore digital asset trading volume and has recorded HK$1.3 trillion in cumulative spot-market transactions.
Mainland Tensions Shape Regional Strategy
The consultation also unfolds against mainland China’s renewed crypto crackdown, with the People’s Bank of China reasserting strict prohibitions on virtual asset trading in late November following signs of renewed speculation.
Beijing specifically flagged stablecoins as posing money laundering and fraud risks, convening a high-level meeting with 13 government agencies to coordinate enforcement.
Hong Kong-listed crypto companies saw sharp losses following Beijing’s announcement, with Yunfeng Financial Group dropping over 10% and OSL Group losing more than 5%.
The mainland stance has complicated Hong Kong’s ambitions, particularly after Chinese regulators instructed major tech firms, including Ant Group and JD.com, to pause stablecoin issuance plans.
For now, regarding the consultation paper, public feedback is welcome through February 6, 2026, with submissions accepted by post or email to the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau.
