Ant Group has quietly filed a trademark for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong, signaling renewed interest in blockchain and stablecoins despite regulatory hurdles from mainland China.
Key Takeaways
- Ant Group filed for the “AntCoin” trademark in June 2025, covering services like stablecoin issuance, lending, and digital-asset custody.
- The filing aligns with Hong Kong’s new stablecoin licensing regime, which started in August 2025.
- Beijing reportedly halted stablecoin plans by Ant Group and JD.com, citing risks to central bank control.
- Ant Group chairman Eric Jing is set to speak at the crypto-heavy Hong Kong FinTech Week, alongside top financial officials.
What Happened?
Ant Group, the fintech arm of Alibaba and operator of Alipay, submitted a trademark application for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong in June 2025. The filing recently surfaced in public databases, sparking speculation about the company’s ambitions in digital finance and Web3 services. The move comes just weeks after Beijing reportedly ordered Ant Group and JD.com to halt their stablecoin initiatives in Hong Kong.
Ant Group, China’s largest internet finance company, applied to register a series of trademarks related to virtual assets, stablecoins, and blockchain in Hong Kong this year, including “ANTCOIN,” possibly as a preparatory step for future expansion of related businesses.…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 27, 2025
Ant Group’s Crypto Intentions Emerge in Hong Kong
Ant Group’s AntCoin trademark filing appears to be a strategic pivot toward Hong Kong’s friendlier crypto environment. The application covers a wide range of financial services, including:
- Traditional banking and lending
- Foreign exchange and settlement
- Blockchain-based settlement systems
- Stablecoin issuance
- Digital asset custody
- Loyalty reward systems
While the filing does not confirm the launch of a token, its comprehensive scope suggests that Ant Group is laying the legal and operational groundwork to bridge its Alipay payments ecosystem with the regulated Web3 framework now active in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong introduced its new stablecoin licensing regime in August 2025, offering legal clarity for firms looking to issue fiat-backed digital tokens. This makes the region an attractive location for mainland firms hoping to innovate without violating Chinese law.
Beijing Says No to Stablecoins, But Firms Push Ahead
Despite Hong Kong’s openness, Ant Group’s move comes at a time when Beijing is cracking down on private stablecoin activity. According to a recent report from the Financial Times, both Ant Group and JD.com were ordered by the People’s Bank of China and the Cyberspace Administration of China to suspend their planned stablecoin pilots.
Chinese regulators are reportedly concerned that private digital currencies could undermine the central bank’s control over monetary policy and complicate the rollout of the digital yuan (e-CNY). These directives suggest a widening divide between Hong Kong’s pro-crypto stance and mainland China’s cautious approach.
Still, Ant Group’s filings imply a calculated effort to stay ahead in the evolving digital finance sector. It remains to be seen whether these plans will get the green light for implementation or stall under political pressure.
All Eyes on Hong Kong FinTech Week
Adding to the speculation is the timing of the AntCoin trademark reveal, which comes just days before the start of Hong Kong FinTech Week. Ant Group chairman Eric Jing is scheduled to speak at the event, alongside Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services Christopher Hui and Primavera Capital’s Fred Hu.
The event, traditionally focused on traditional finance, is taking a crypto-heavy turn this year. Jing’s appearance may offer more insight into how Ant Group plans to navigate its Web3 strategy under tightening mainland oversight and expanding international opportunity.
Industry watchers are especially keen to hear whether Ant Group sees AntCoin as a loyalty token, a payments solution, or a fully-fledged stablecoin integrated into its Alipay network.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience, when big players like Ant Group start filing trademarks like “AntCoin,” it’s more than just a defensive legal move. They’re positioning for a future they believe is coming, even if that future is politically sensitive. Beijing may be putting on the brakes, but Hong Kong is pressing the gas. I found it fascinating how Ant is threading the needle between compliance and innovation. This story is far from over, and Ant Group might just be betting on the long game.
