The buzz around stablecoins continues to heat up in the capital markets, according to yicai.com. Hong Kong's Stablecoins Regulation will take effect on August 1, by that time the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will have begun accepting license applications.As revealed by industry insiders, stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong are both scarce and highly sought after as only a handful are expected to be issued. Besides the already announced applicants such as JD.com, STANCHART (02888.HK) +0.400 (+0.286%) Short selling $30.34M; Ratio 25.759% , and RD Technologies, there are more than 40 companies preparing to submit applications.Related NewsCMBI Reduces Alibaba (BABA.US)'s TP to USD141.2; Greater Investment in Instant Retail Weighs Down ST EarningsLaw firms reported that dozens more have expressed interest and are currently in the consultation or document preparation stage. The competition is extremely intense since most applicants are China's largest financial institutions and internet companies, leaving only slim chances for smaller firms.(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2025-07-16 12:25.)