Key Findings on Virtual Asset Adoption in Hong Kong
A recent public opinion survey conducted by HKUST Business School reveals shifting attitudes toward virtual assets and tokenized currencies. The longitudinal study tracks public sentiment following a major 2023 cryptocurrency platform incident, showing notable recovery in investor interest.
Survey Methodology
- Timeline: November 2024 (3-week duration)
- Participants: 5,863 Hong Kong adult residents
- Comparative Data: Previous surveys conducted in April/May 2023 (pre-incident) and September/October 2023 (post-incident)
Virtual Asset Ownership Trends
- Current Interest: 25% express willingness to hold virtual assets (6% increase from post-incident levels)
- Neutral Stance: ≥40% remain观望 across all three surveys
- Bitcoin Dominance: 81% prefer Bitcoin (+7% from initial survey)
- NFT Decline: 11% drop in interest for non-fungible tokens
👉 Why Bitcoin remains investors' top choice
Public Perception of Tokenized Currencies
Awareness Gaps Identified
| Currency Type | Unawareness Rate |
|---|---|
| Tokenized Deposits | 81% |
| CBDC | 72% |
| Digital HKD (e-HKD) | 65% |
| Stablecoins | 61% |
Regulatory Perspectives
- 52% support equal legal protections for tokenized vs. traditional deposits
- 34% approve private-sector issuance of stablecoins/tokenized deposits under proper oversight
Expert Commentary
Professor Kar Yan TAM, Chair Professor of Information Systems, notes:
"Hong Kong's virtual asset ecosystem requires balanced development between regulation and innovation. Our findings underscore the need for public education initiatives addressing both opportunities and risks in this evolving digital economy."
FAQs About Digital Currencies in Hong Kong
Q: How does regulation affect crypto exchange usage?
A: Willingness increases by 20% when platforms are regulated, with perceived safety being the primary factor.
Q: What's driving Bitcoin's popularity?
A: Established reputation (81% preference) and perceived stability compared to speculative assets like NFTs.
Q: Why does e-HKD awareness remain low?
A: Limited public education campaigns and unclear use cases contribute to the 65% unawareness rate.