"Bank of China token" can refer to several different things: unofficial cryptocurrency tokens using the Bank of China name, the bank's actual tokenised securities and digital asset initiatives, or its potential stablecoin issuance in Hong Kong. This guide explains the differences, provides key market data, and outlines the critical risks you need to understand.
The term "Bank of China token" is ambiguous and can refer to at least three distinct categories of digital assets:
Understanding these distinctions is critical. The unofficial tokens are not issued or endorsed by the Bank of China and carry significant risks. The official initiatives are part of the bank's digital asset strategy, conducted primarily through its Hong Kong operations and subject to regulatory oversight.
At least two unofficial cryptocurrency tokens use the "Bank of China" name: BOCI and BOC. These are ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain and have no connection to the actual Bank of China.
The BOCI token has a contract address of 0x12f44795e746ae2b4f5d8bb80427ed8de2b56175. Its maximum total supply is 100,000,000 BOCI, and it has approximately 485 holders. The contract is verified on Etherscan, but its on-chain market cap is listed as $0.00, indicating negligible liquidity and trading activity.
The BOC token has a contract address of 0xaf4e629f231845e2c85701c846a43cb7135851ca[reference:4]. Its current price is approximately $0.0046, with a market cap of around $4,550 and 24-hour trading volume of just $57[reference:5]. The token has 263 holders and the liquidity pool is only about $6,250[reference:6].
The BOC token's liquidity is described as "low liquidity which may result in significant price volatility and loss of funds"[reference:7]. The contract audit shows "Low Risk" for being a honeypot, but the ownership has not been renounced[reference:8], meaning the contract owner retains control over the token.
The Bank of China has been actively involved in blockchain and digital asset initiatives, primarily through its Hong Kong operations and its investment banking subsidiary, BOCI. These are legitimate, regulated activities.
In June 2023, BOCI issued 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) worth of digital structured notes minted on the Ethereum blockchain. This made BOCI the first mainland Chinese financial institution to issue a tokenised security in Hong Kong. The securities are governed by Hong Kong and Swiss law. BOCI had previously issued a $50 million tokenised fixed-rate note in December 2022.
Bank of China (Hong Kong) has been actively exploring tokenisation through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's (HKMA) Ensemble project and regulatory sandbox[reference:15]. The bank has completed proof-of-concept for tokenised money market fund transactions, achieving real-time settlement between tokenised deposits and tokenised assets[reference:16][reference:17]. It has also refined its blockchain infrastructure and tokenised deposit offerings through the HKMA's Distributed Ledger Technology supervisory incubator[reference:18].
In November 2023, the Bank of China was granted a patent for a "blockchain-based digital commemorative coin generation method and system"[reference:19]. This indicates ongoing research and development in blockchain-based digital assets.
In September 2025, news emerged that Bank of China (Hong Kong) is preparing to apply for a stablecoin issuer license under Hong Kong's new regulatory framework[reference:21]. This development has generated significant interest.
Hong Kong's Stablecoin Bill was passed on 21 May 2025 and took effect on 1 August 2025[reference:22]. It requires any entity issuing fiat-referenced stablecoins in Hong Kong to obtain a license from the HKMA. Licensed issuers must follow strict reserve management rules, segregate client funds, guarantee redemption at par, and comply with disclosure, audit, and anti-money laundering requirements.
If Bank of China (Hong Kong) obtains a stablecoin license, it could issue a regulated stablecoin — potentially a Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoin[reference:25]. Some observers believe a licensed Bank of China token could provide a "regulated, internationally accessible counterpart to the central bank's CBDC".
However, as of the latest information, the HKMA has not yet issued any stablecoin licenses, and market expectations are that the first licenses will be granted in early 2026[reference:27]. The application process is competitive, with over 40 companies, including Standard Chartered, Circle, and Animoca Brands, having expressed interest.
The table below summarises the key market data for the unofficial Bank of China tokens (BOCI and BOC) based on available sources.
| Token | Price (USD) | Market Cap | 24h Volume | Holders | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOCI | N/A (negligible) | $0.00 | N/A | 485 | Negligible |
| BOC | $0.0046[reference:31] | $4,550[reference:32] | $57[reference:33] | 263[reference:34] | $6,250[reference:35] |
Note: These figures are based on data from ApeSpace and Etherscan and may have changed. The extremely low market caps and trading volumes indicate that these tokens have minimal market presence.
Evaluating any "Bank of China token" requires distinguishing between unofficial tokens and official bank initiatives. The following framework can help.
The table below compares the key characteristics of unofficial Bank of China tokens with the bank's official digital asset initiatives.
| Characteristic | Unofficial Tokens (BOCI, BOC) | Official Tokenised Securities | Potential Stablecoin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Unknown / unauthorised | BOCI (Bank of China investment bank) | Bank of China (Hong Kong) (potential) |
| Endorsed by Bank of China | No | Yes | Yes (if licensed) |
| Regulatory Status | Unregulated[reference:42] | Regulated (Hong Kong/Swiss law) | HKMA-regulated (if licensed)[reference:44] |
| Market Cap | $0 – $4,550[reference:46] | Institutional (not publicly traded) | Not yet issued |
| Liquidity | Extremely low[reference:47] | Institutional | Not yet applicable |
| Availability | Retail (DEXs) | Institutional investors | Not yet available |
| Risk Level | Extremely High | Low to Moderate (institutional) | Unknown (regulated stablecoin) |
Note: This comparison is based on available public information. Official initiatives may evolve, and the potential stablecoin has not yet been issued.
Use this checklist to evaluate any "Bank of China token" you encounter.
Scenario: Emma is a retail investor who sees the "Bank of China (BOC)" token listed on a decentralised exchange. The token is priced at $0.0046 with a market cap of around $4,500. She considers investing $500.
Takeaway: A disciplined, research-based approach helped Emma avoid a potentially risky investment. The lack of official endorsement, low liquidity, and unrenounced ownership were decisive factors in her decision.
Unofficial "Bank of China" tokens (BOCI, BOC, and others) are not issued or endorsed by the Bank of China. They are speculative, high-risk tokens with extremely low liquidity, minimal market capitalisation, and unknown or unrenounced contract ownership. Any investment in these tokens carries a substantial risk of partial or total loss of capital.
The Bank of China itself has warned about the risks of virtual currency speculation[reference:56] and has noted that "token issuance financing and virtual currency derivative trading" may violate laws and regulations and could constitute illegal fundraising or illegal securities issuance[reference:57].
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The information provided is based on limited publicly available data and may not be complete or accurate. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any token or cryptocurrency.
Before making any investment decision, you must conduct your own thorough research. This includes, but is not limited to:
The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and unregulated in many jurisdictions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Never invest money that you cannot afford to lose, and be aware that the risk of fraud and loss is particularly high with micro-cap tokens.
Always verify current prices, fees, and platform availability from authoritative sources before making any transaction. The data presented in this guide may be outdated by the time you read it.
No. The Bank of China does not issue or endorse any cryptocurrency token for public trading. The BOCI and BOC tokens that use the Bank of China name are unofficial and unauthorised.
BOCI is an unofficial ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain that uses the Bank of China name. It has a maximum supply of 100,000,000 tokens and approximately 485 holders. It is not issued or endorsed by the Bank of China.
BOC is another unofficial ERC-20 token using the Bank of China name. It trades at approximately $0.0046 with a market cap of around $4,550[reference:59]. It has extremely low liquidity and is not endorsed by the Bank of China.
Bank of China (Hong Kong) has announced its intention to apply for a stablecoin issuer license under Hong Kong's new regulatory framework[reference:61]. However, no stablecoin has been issued yet. Any token claiming to be a "Bank of China stablecoin" is not legitimate.
Risks include extremely low liquidity, potential for significant price volatility, unrenounced contract ownership, lack of official endorsement, and the possibility of total loss of investment. The tokens have no connection to the Bank of China's actual business or assets.
Check the Bank of China's official website for any announcements about digital assets. Legitimate tokenised securities are issued through regulated channels and are not available for retail trading on decentralised exchanges. Be cautious of any token that claims to be associated with the bank without official confirmation.
Yes. BOCI, the bank's investment banking subsidiary, issued $28 million worth of digital structured notes on the Ethereum blockchain in June 2023. These are regulated securities, not cryptocurrency tokens for public trading.
This guide does not provide investment advice. However, both tokens are unofficial, have extremely low liquidity, and carry significant risk of loss. You should conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decision.