TL;DR
- RWA Restrictions: Beijing expanded its crypto ban to include unapproved real‑world asset tokenization, requiring all such activity to occur only on authorized financial infrastructure.
- Stablecoin Controls: Regulators barred offshore issuance of yuan‑pegged stablecoins without approval, aiming to prevent unsanctioned digital yuan ecosystems and tighten currency oversight.
- Crypto Ban Reaffirmed: The notice reiterates that crypto trading, token issuance, financing, and exchange services remain illegal in China.
Beijing has intensified its long‑standing campaign against digital assets, issuing a fresh regulatory notice that expands China’s crypto ban to explicitly target real‑world asset tokenization and offshore yuan‑pegged stablecoins. The directive, released by the central bank alongside top financial regulators, reinforces that crypto trading, token issuance, and related services remain illegal in the mainland, while tightening scrutiny on domestic firms pursuing tokenization initiatives abroad.
Regulators Expand Ban to RWA Tokenization
Authorities clarified that tokenizing real‑world assets is prohibited unless conducted on an approved financial infrastructure. This marks a significant escalation, as Beijing now treats unapproved RWA tokenization with the same severity as traditional crypto activities. The notice underscores that China’s regulatory perimeter extends beyond speculative tokens to any digital representation of assets that bypasses state‑controlled systems.
The directive also bars offshore issuance of yuan‑pegged stablecoins without explicit approval from Chinese regulators. This move aims to prevent the creation of parallel digital yuan ecosystems outside Beijing’s oversight. By restricting offshore RMB stablecoins, authorities seek to curb capital flight risks and maintain strict control over currency circulation, reinforcing the message that no yuan‑linked digital asset can exist independently of state authorization.
Crypto Trading and Services Remain Illegal
The notice reiterates China’s blanket prohibition on crypto trading, token issuance, financing, and exchange‑related services. Regulators emphasized that virtual currencies do not possess legal tender status and cannot circulate as currency in any market. This reaffirmation signals that Beijing remains committed to its hardline stance, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the legal status of crypto activities within the mainland.
Chinese regulators also tightened oversight of domestic entities engaging in tokenization or digital asset projects overseas. The updated framework aims to close regulatory gaps that previously allowed firms to operate abroad while serving Chinese users indirectly. By extending compliance expectations beyond national borders, Beijing is reinforcing its intent to maintain full control over digital financial innovation tied to Chinese institutions.
