Hong Kong EnsembleTX upgrade: enabling 24x7 round-the-clock settlement of tokenized deposits, expanding the number of participating banks to 12

The Zhitong Finance App learned that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced today (November 2) that EnsembleTX has entered a new chapter during the trial phase of the Ensemble project to support 24x7 settlement of interbank tokenized deposits through tokenized central bank currencies. The number of banks and industry pioneers participating in EnsembleTX increased to 12 and 20 respectively, marking broader industry participation. The new feature allows participating banks and industry pioneers to use tokenized central bank currencies to settle real-time transactions outside of traditional operating hours to meet the needs of the increasingly global and round-the-clock digital finance market.

Launched in November 2025, EnsembleTX initially uses the HKD instant payment settlement system to settle interbank tokenized deposits, and realizes real transactions involving tokenized deposits and digital assets in a controlled trial environment, including industry pioneers using tokenized deposits provided by participating banks to carry out corporate treasury management and tokenized money market fund transactions. With the launch of new features, the Ensemble project will further promote the expansion of transaction scale and explore more influential tokenization use cases, thereby bringing real benefits and supporting the sustainable development of the tokenized market.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will continue to deepen cooperation with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to create a supportive and collaborative environment to further promote the development of the tokenized finance ecosystem and related market infrastructure.

Yu Weiwen, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said, “In just two years, the Ensemble project has moved from an experimental and pilot phase to a new stage of promoting tokenized commercial applications in Hong Kong. The rapid and steady upgrading of infrastructure demonstrates the HKMA's determination to promote the development of Hong Kong's tokenization ecosystem. As the market continues to evolve, the trend of banks around the world issuing tokenized deposits is becoming more and more prominent. Looking ahead, we expect the commercialization of tokenized deposits and digital assets to accelerate further. Furthermore, we are looking forward to the market bringing more innovative ideas in the next few years to further promote the development of Hong Kong's tokenization ecosystem.”

Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission Chief Executive Leung Fung-yee said, “The introduction of 24x7 interbank settlement in tokenized central bank currency is an important step towards a larger tokenized market in Hong Kong. Tokenized deposits will support round-the-clock transactions, including corporate treasury management and secondary market transactions of tokenized funds on licensed platforms, which will help promote market liquidity and support investors' risk management needs. The Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission will continue to work with the HKMA and market participants to promote the practical application of EnsembletX's new features and further advance the development of digital assets in Hong Kong.”