China Pumps the Brakes on RWA Businesses in Hong Kong: Reuters

China has instructed brokerages in Hong Kong to halt the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), a move that raises concerns about the future of digital finance in the region. This pause could impact the growing interest in blockchain technology and its applications in asset management, potentially stifling innovation and investment in Hong Kong's financial sector. As the city positions itself as a global fintech hub, such regulatory actions may deter international investors and affect the overall market sentiment.

A new competition is heating up in the world of stablecoins, with MetaMask's mUSD, the European Union's digital euro initiative, and Hong Kong's offshore yuan token AxCNH vying for dominance in on-chain payments. This contest is significant because it could reshape the landscape of global finance, with the potential for real-world settlements to reach between $2 to $4 trillion annually if a small percentage of cross-border payments transition to these digital currencies.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission has called on brokerages to pause their RWA business, raising concerns about the impact on domestic innovation and the country's competitive position in global financial markets. This move reflects a cautious approach to asset tokenization, which could stifle growth in a rapidly evolving sector. As the world increasingly embraces digital assets, China's regulatory stance may hinder its ability to keep pace with international developments, making this a significant issue for investors and the broader economy.

In today's Asia Morning Briefing, we explore how China's automotive industry and America's currency dynamics are intertwined, particularly through the lens of stablecoins. These digital currencies are gaining traction and play a crucial role in maintaining the dollar's dominance in global markets. Understanding this relationship is essential as it highlights the evolving landscape of finance and the potential implications for international trade and investment.

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, recently highlighted a pressing concern for the Bitcoin community regarding the potential threat of quantum computing. Speaking at the All-In Summit 2025, he emphasized that there is a significant chance—about 50/50—that a major breakthrough in quantum computing could occur within the next five years. This warning underscores the urgency for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to enhance their security measures to safeguard against future technological advancements that could compromise their integrity.

Bitcoin is currently facing significant bearish pressure as elevated exchange inflows and recent market volatility have led to a drop in its value, falling from around $116,000 to just above $111,000. This decline raises concerns about whether it can maintain the crucial support level of $112,000. With over $1.6 billion in liquidations reported, primarily from long positions, the situation highlights the uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market, especially amid fears of a potential US government shutdown.

Despite a recent drop in Bitcoin's price below $113,000, Michael Saylor's Strategy has made a bold move by purchasing 850 BTC, adding $100 million to its treasury. This decision not only reflects confidence in Bitcoin's long-term potential but also highlights a strategic approach to capitalizing on market fluctuations. Such actions can influence investor sentiment and potentially stabilize the market, making it a significant development for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors alike.

In a dramatic turn of events, over $1.8 billion in cryptocurrency was liquidated in just one day, marking one of the largest long liquidation events of the year. This significant drop raises concerns among investors, as analysts suggest that a return to the support zone could be on the horizon. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for anyone involved in the crypto market, as they can indicate broader trends and potential recovery or further declines.

The recent downturn in the crypto market has led to a decline in treasury stocks, causing concern among investors. While new acquisitions by treasury companies were met with skepticism, businesses that are pivoting towards crypto have seen a more positive response. This situation highlights the volatility of the crypto market and the cautious approach investors are taking amidst fluctuating trends.

South Korea is witnessing a significant rise in suspicious cryptocurrency transactions, raising concerns among regulators and investors alike. This surge is attributed to the growing number of individuals entering the crypto market, which, while indicative of increased interest, also highlights potential risks and the need for stricter oversight. As more people invest in digital currencies, the importance of ensuring a secure trading environment becomes paramount to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

Synthetix is gearing up to launch the first perpetual decentralized exchange on the Ethereum mainnet in Q4 2025, which is exciting news for the crypto community. This launch not only marks a significant milestone for Synthetix but also introduces a new trading competition with a prize pool of $1 million, encouraging traders to participate and explore the innovative features of this new platform. It's a big step forward in the evolution of decentralized finance, promising to enhance trading opportunities and liquidity.