Key Developments in Ant Group's Stablecoin Strategy
On June 12, 2025, Ant Group made waves in financial markets when both its international and digital technology divisions announced simultaneous applications for Hong Kong stablecoin licenses. This strategic move triggered an afternoon surge in Ant-related Hong Kong stocks, with Yunfeng Financial Group (0376.HK) skyrocketing 98% intraday.
Why Stablecoins Matter for Ant International
Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance will take effect on August 1, 2025, creating a regulated framework for cryptocurrency-pegged assets. Ant International confirmed to Caijing Magazine: "We'll submit our application promptly after the licensing channel opens, aiming to support Hong Kong's development as a global financial hub."
Analysts identify three core synergies:
- Cross-border payments: Stablecoins could revolutionize Alipay+'s 300+ million user network
- E-commerce settlements: Faster transaction processing for WorldFirst's merchant clients
- Asset management: New digital investment vehicles through Antom's platform
The division recently partnered with Deutsche Bank to explore tokenized deposits and stablecoin solutions for Europe-Asia transactions.
Ant Digital Technologies' Blockchain Vision
Concurrently, Ant Digital Tech unveiled its stablecoin license application, with CEO Bian Zhuoqun revealing:
- Completed regulatory sandbox trials in Hong Kong
- Established global HQ in the city
- Prior success with RWA (Real World Asset) tokenization projects
"Compliant stablecoins act as bridges between traditional finance and tokenized assets," Bian noted, referencing their 2024 project helping Langxin Tech raise funds through tokenized EV charging stations.
Market Impact and Competitive Landscape
The dual announcements propelled Hong Kong-listed Ant affiliates:
- Yunfeng Financial: +98% (intraday high)
- Yaocai Financial (1428.HK): +14%
- Alibaba Health (0241.HK): +4%
- Alibaba Pictures (1060.HK): +4%
Meanwhile, competitors like JD.com advance through Hong Kong's regulatory sandbox, testing stablecoins for:
- Cross-border B2B payments
- Securities trading
- Retail transactions
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FAQ: Understanding Ant's Stablecoin Play
Q: Why is Ant pursuing stablecoins now?
A: Hong Kong's new regulations provide legal clarity, allowing integration with Ant's existing payment networks while mitigating cryptocurrency volatility risks.
Q: How do stablecoins benefit merchants?
A: They enable near-instant cross-border settlements at lower costs than traditional SWIFT transfers - particularly valuable for Alipay+'s e-commerce partners.
Q: What differentiates Ant's approach?
A: Combining Ant International's payment rails with Ant Digital's blockchain expertise creates unique synergy for compliant, large-scale adoption.
Q: When will Ant launch stablecoin services?
A: Pending license approval, services could commence as early as Q4 2025, with initial focus on institutional/B2B use cases.
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Strategic Implications for Web3 Finance
This coordinated push positions Ant Group at the forefront of two transformative trends:
- Institutional DeFi: Bridging traditional finance with decentralized applications
- RWA tokenization: Creating liquid markets for previously illiquid assets
With $27.6 trillion in 2024 stablecoin transaction volume (exceeding Visa+Mastercard), Ant's infrastructure could capture significant market share in:
- Cross-border remittances
- Trade finance
- Tokenized securities
As Bian Zhuoqun asserts: "Our RWA and stablecoin integration will unlock novel financial scenarios while upholding strict compliance - this is Web3's next evolution."