Ant International, the overseas arm of China's Ant Group, is preparing to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg. This strategic move aligns with Ant Group's evolving international fintech strategy as it seeks to diversify following stricter domestic regulations.
In Hong Kong, Ant International plans to submit its application as early as August 2025, coinciding with the new Stablecoin Ordinance's effective date. The ordinance establishes clear guidelines for stablecoin issuers, including capital requirements, reserve management, audits, and consumer protection. By initiating licensing at the outset of these regulations, Ant aims to capitalize on Hong Kong's goal to become a global hub for digital assets and Web3 innovation.
Singapore and Luxembourg, known for their progressive fintech frameworks, are also key targets for Ant's stablecoin expansion. These jurisdictions emphasize financial stability, anti-money laundering compliance, and technological resilience, matching Ant's aim to build a globally compliant stablecoin operation for both institutional and retail customers.
Ant Group's stablecoin ambitions are supported by its Whale blockchain platform, which processed around $1 trillion in transactions last year—about one-third of the group's global payment volume. The Whale platform currently supports cross-border payments, supply chain finance, and enterprise blockchain applications, providing a robust infrastructure for stablecoin deployment.
Moreover, Ant International recently partnered with Deutsche Bank to explore tokenized deposits and stablecoin applications for cross-border treasury management. This partnership illustrates Ant's vision to integrate blockchain technology into global financial services, improving efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in international transactions.
This move demonstrates increased confidence among traditional fintech firms in the maturing regulatory landscape surrounding stablecoins, which are gaining traction for payments and digital asset settlement. The licensing efforts highlight Ant Group's commitment to expanding its blockchain and digital asset operations globally amid regulatory and market changes.