Standard Chartered, Animoca, and HKT apply for Hong Kong’s first HKD-backed stablecoin license to advance digital assets in the region.
- Standard Chartered, Animoca, HKT apply for HK’s stablecoin license.
- First HKD-backed stablecoin under new HKMA regulation.
- Expected to boost Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem.
Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands, and HKT have jointly launched Anchorpoint Financial, applying for Hong Kong’s first HKD-backed stablecoin license as per new HKMA regulations.
This move signifies a strategic push towards integrating digital assets into Hong Kong’s financial landscape, potentially enhancing regional blockchain adoption and international digital currency competitiveness.
Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands, and HKT have initiated Anchorpoint Financial to pursue Hong Kong’s inaugural stablecoin license under fresh HKMA rules as of August 2025.
The move signals Hong Kong’s growing role in digital finance, potentially influencing regional markets and stablecoin adoption as licensing progresses. Hong Kong’s First HKD Stablecoin Race Begins as Standard Chartered Files Early
Anchorpoint Financial Applies for HKD Stablecoin License
Anchorpoint Financial, a joint creation of Standard Chartered, Animoca, and HKT, has applied for Hong Kong’s first HKD-pegged stablecoin license. This aligns with Hong Kong’s ambition to become a digital asset hub. Mary Huen Wai-yi, CEO of Standard Chartered Hong Kong, stated, We believe stablecoins will play an important role in building a sustainable digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong and are dedicated to playing a role in supporting Hong Kong as an international financial centre and digital assets hub.
The initiative taps Standard Chartered’s strong banking infrastructure, Animoca’s crypto expertise, and HKT’s fintech leadership. Their combined capabilities aim to transform Hong Kong’s financial landscape.
Boost to Hong Kong Digital Asset Ecosystem Expected
The application is expected to enhance Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem. Key players expect increased stablecoin usage in payment systems and cross-border transactions, driving new financial opportunities. Analysts highlight potential growth in cryptocurrency exchanges, better liquidity, and increased trading volume. Market participants anticipate regulatory clarity’s positive impact on the broader fintech sector.
HKMA Pilot Programs and Global Stablecoin Trends
Previous HKMA tokenisation pilots laid groundwork. This aligns with global trends, where initial stablecoin frameworks have led to increased capital inflows and asset value appreciations. Bill Winters, Group CEO of Standard Chartered, noted,
Digital assets are here to stay and the development of different forms of tokenised money is integral to the advancement of this industry…
Future stablecoin integration is likely to provide new trading pairs and enhance DeFi protocols, leveraging past successes in Europe and North America to forecast regional financial innovation.
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