Tokenization Weekly - No. 76

🚀 Crypto & Blockchain Weekly Digest: May 26 – June 1, 2025

1️⃣ Changer and Bitgrit Partner to Advance AI-on-Chain Innovation in Abu Dhabi 🤖

- Landmark partnership: Secure digital asset custodian Changer and global AI startup Bitgrit signed a major agreement to drive “AI-on-chain” innovation in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

- Ecosystem impact: Changer will provide custody for Bitgrit’s BGR tokens and future tokenized AI models and datasets, powering a decentralized AI economy on blockchain.

- Significance: The deal highlights Abu Dhabi’s push to be a global leader in regulated blockchain and AI integration, setting new standards for transparency and security in the digital economy.

2️⃣ Russia Opens Doors to Crypto Derivatives for Select Investors 🇷🇺

- Regulatory shift: Russia’s central bank now allows “super-qualified” investors to access crypto derivatives and digital asset-linked products under strict conditions.

- Details: These non-deliverable products are only available to vetted investors and must be fully capitalized by offering institutions. The move is part of broader efforts to formalize Russia’s digital asset market and develop a state-run crypto exchange.

- Context: The change follows recent disruptions in stablecoin access for Russian users and signals a cautious but notable step toward regulated crypto markets.

3️⃣ Asia Moves to Regulate Stablecoins Amid Growing Adoption 🌏

- Regional trend: Asian governments, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, are accelerating stablecoin regulation to address rapid adoption and financial stability risks.

- Key developments: Hong Kong’s new licensing regime for stablecoin issuers took effect June 1, while Singapore and Japan are finalizing similar frameworks focused on asset backing, audits, and consumer protection.

- Industry outlook: The moves are expected to boost institutional and retail confidence in stablecoins and set global benchmarks for regulatory standards.

4️⃣ HSBC Launches Tokenised Deposit Service for Corporate Clients in Hong Kong 🏦

- Product launch: HSBC unveiled Hong Kong’s first bank-led, blockchain-based tokenised deposit service for corporate treasury management.

- Features: The service enables real-time, 24/7 HKD and USD payments between corporate wallets, with Ant International as the first client. It is designed to integrate with Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble digital money infrastructure.

- Significance: This marks a milestone for digital money innovation in Asia and sets a new benchmark for efficient, compliant corporate payments.

5️⃣ North Korea Tests NFT Sales for Foreign Currency in China 🇰🇵

- Emerging trend: North Korea has begun testing NFT sales in China to obtain foreign currency, according to reports.

- Details: The move leverages NFTs as a new channel for generating hard currency amid international sanctions and financial isolation.

- Risks: Analysts warn this could complicate global efforts to monitor and restrict illicit crypto flows from North Korea.