tl;dr
Osaka's "International Financial City" initiative has attracted 27 overseas financial institutions and 650 startups, aiming to become a next-generation financial hub amid rising competition from Singapore and Hong Kong due to stablecoins' impact on the region. South Korea is shifting from CBDCs to p...
Last week, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura highlighted the third-year results of the “Osaka International Financial City” initiative. The city has attracted 27 overseas financial institutions and 650 startups, signaling its ambition to position itself as a next-generation financial hub. Once considered Asia’s financial hubs, Singapore and Hong Kong now face competition as the rise of stablecoins reshapes the region’s monetary order, raising the question of which country or city will lead.
Korea: Pivot Toward Private Stablecoins and Retail Payments
Once focused primarily on central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives, South Korea has accelerated a pivot toward private stablecoins. The Financial Services Commission is set to introduce a comprehensive regulatory bill to parliament in October 2025, encouraging the rollout of won-backed stablecoins. At the same time, the Bank of Korea has launched a dedicated digital asset team, advancing oversight and market development. Major players like KakaoBank are preparing to enter the market, with retail payments and cross-border remittances seen as key growth drivers. Korea’s advantage lies in its advanced digital infrastructure and widespread fintech adoption. With mobile payments and online banking already ubiquitous, the country is well-positioned to rapidly scale consumer-oriented stablecoin usage once regulation is in place.
Japan: First Mover With a Comprehensive Legal Framework
Japan has established one of the world’s most comprehensive legal regimes for stablecoins. The revised Payment Services Act, enacted in June 2025, distinguishes stablecoins from cryptocurrencies by classifying them as “electronic payment instruments.” The Financial Services Agency (FSA) strictly oversees issuers, limiting them to banks, trust companies, and licensed money transfer firms. JPYC registered as a money transfer operator and will launch a yen-pegged stablecoin in autumn 2025, targeting initial issuance of $68 billion with a long-term goal of $6.8 billion. Circle introduced USDC to Japan in March 2025 via SBI VC Trade. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust is preparing its Progmat Coin system. Japan launched the world’s first legally recognized yen-backed stablecoin. Expected use cases include carbon credit trading, trade settlements, and cross-border payments. Osaka hosts a growing cluster of startups and international institutions. Japan aims to become Asia’s stablecoin hub through clear regulations and active market adoption.
Hong Kong and Singapore: Competing Through Licensing
Hong Kong implemented its Stablecoin Ordinance on August 1, 2025, introducing Asia’s first comprehensive licensing regime. Issuers must maintain full reserves in high-quality liquid assets and comply with stringent anti–money laundering and know-your-customer requirements. Authorities plan to issue the first licenses in early 2026, with more than 40 firms preparing applications. Hong Kong emphasizes transparency and institutional credibility; however, delays in practical adoption may slow momentum compared with Japan and Korea. Meanwhile, Singapore enacted its Digital Token Service Provider (DTSP) framework in June 2025, setting strict requirements and generally restricting overseas-focused issuers. While Paxos was approved in 2024, the broader market remains under development. Singapore’s cautious stance underscores a preference for long-term stability over rapid expansion.
China: Eyeing Yuan Internationalization Through Stablecoins
In August 2025, reports indicated Beijing began exploring a yuan-pegged stablecoin as part of its broader strategy to reduce reliance on the US dollar and accelerate renminbi internationalization. The government will release a roadmap and plans initial rollouts in Hong Kong and Shanghai. China has already led the deployment of CBDC, raising questions about overlap with private stablecoins. However, given its policy scale and market influence, a yuan-backed stablecoin could significantly reshape Asia’s financial landscape.
Outlook: Competing Models for Asia’s Next Financial Center
The stablecoin race is redefining Asia’s financial hubs. Japan leads in legal frameworks and enterprise adoption; Korea excels in consumer infrastructure; Hong Kong prides itself on regulatory credibility; Singapore favors cautious long-term stability; and China focuses on currency internationalization. Osaka’s efforts demonstrate that future financial leadership will depend on capital concentration, regulatory clarity, real-world utility, and policy agility. The balance of these elements may determine which city ultimately claims the mantle of Asia’s next financial hub.