Hong Kong Plans to Tokenize 400-Ounce Gold Bars in Push to Become Global Trading
Hong Kong is preparing to tokenize standard 400-ounce gold bars as part of its efforts to establish itself as a global gold trading hub, with the government saying an interbank gold tokenization project is expected to launch “very soon.”
The proposed initiative would allow each digital token to represent one standard 400-ounce gold bar. The project signals Hong Kong’s plans to expand the use of tokenization in the physical gold market, connecting traditional bullion assets with blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
HSBC Gold Token Records $2.5 Billion in Trades
Hong Kong’s planned interbank project follows activity in the city's existing tokenized gold market. HSBC’s retail gold token has recorded approximately 390,000 trades worth a combined $2.5 billion as of August, according to information shared by Coin Bureau.
The trading figures provide an indication of the activity already taking place in Hong Kong’s tokenized gold market. The proposed interbank initiative would introduce a separate project centered on standard 400-ounce bars, with each token representing ownership of one such bar.
The government has described the interbank project as coming “very soon,” although the information shared by Coin Bureau does not provide a specific launch date or further details about its operating structure.
China's Gold Holdings Reach Record 2,410 Tonnes
The planned tokenization initiative comes amid significant gold accumulation by China. The country’s central bank now holds a record 2,410 tonnes of gold, equivalent to approximately 194,000 standard 400-ounce bars.
According to the World Gold Council, China purchased another 103 tonnes of gold in 2026 alone. The figure adds to the country's record holdings and provides further context for the scale of gold reserves associated with the region.
Hong Kong's proposed project, HSBC’s existing retail gold token and China's growing official gold holdings represent three separate developments highlighted in Coin Bureau's report. While the interbank initiative has yet to receive a specific launch date, the Hong Kong government has indicated that the project is expected to move forward “very soon.”
Writer: Victoria HaleTechnology & Blockchain WriterVictoria Hale writes about blockchain technology, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of emerging technologies with finance. Her articles explore how new protocols and systems are shaping the evolving digital economy.She prioritises clarity and accuracy when explaining technical developments to a general audience.
Check out other news and articles on Google News
Disclaimer:
The articles on Hokanews are here to keep you updated on the latest buzz in crypto, tech, and beyond—but they’re not financial advice. We’re sharing info, trends, and insights, not telling you to buy, sell, or invest. Always do your own homework before making any money moves.
Hokanews isn’t responsible for any losses, gains, or chaos that might happen if you act on what you read here. Investment decisions should come from your own research—and, ideally, guidance from a qualified financial advisor. Remember: crypto and tech move fast, info changes in a blink, and while we aim for accuracy, we can’t promise it’s 100% complete or up-to-date.