The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received 77 expressions of interest for stablecoin issuer licenses as of the end of August. Applicants include banks, tech companies, securities and asset management firms, e-commerce platforms, payment institutions, and Web3 startups. The HKMA reiterated that only a limited number of licenses will be issued initially and advised well-prepared entities to submit formal applications by the end of September. The authority also emphasized that submitting an expression of interest or application does not guarantee approval and cautioned the public against unlicensed stablecoin promotions.