Anchorpoint Seeks Hong Kong Stablecoin License to Drive Digital Finance Innovation

Anchorpoint Financial Limited, a joint venture formed by Animoca Brands, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), and HKT, has formally expressed interest to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in securing a stablecoin issuer license under the newly enacted Stablecoins Ordinance, effective August 1, 2025. This initiative marks one of the first major institutional efforts to enter the regulated stablecoin market in the region [1].

Since July 2024, the three partners have participated in the HKMA’s stablecoin issuer sandbox program, testing how regulated stablecoins can enhance payment systems, improve market efficiency, and integrate Web3 technologies with traditional financial infrastructure. The collaboration reflects a strategic push to align stablecoin innovation with regulatory compliance [2].

Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, highlighted the role of stablecoins in bridging traditional finance with Web3 innovation, emphasizing their importance in supporting Hong Kong’s goal to become a global digital asset hub. Animoca Brands brings its expertise in blockchain and digital property rights, while Standard Chartered contributes its global banking capabilities and HKT offers telecommunications infrastructure, creating a uniquely integrated digital finance platform [3].

Standard Chartered has confirmed its active participation in the joint venture, underscoring its broader strategy to adapt to the evolving digital asset landscape and explore regulated pathways for innovation. The bank’s engagement aligns with a trend among traditional financial institutions to collaborate with Web3 innovators [4].

Anchorpoint’s application for a stablecoin issuer license represents a coordinated effort to bring regulated, fiat-pegged stablecoins to market, potentially enhancing cross-border payment efficiency and expanding access to digital finance. If approved, the stablecoins could serve as a key infrastructure component within Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem, supporting both institutional and retail use cases [5].

The initiative also aligns with Hong Kong’s broader financial strategy to attract fintech talent and investment by fostering a regulatory environment that supports digital innovation. Animoca Brands, through its diverse portfolio of blockchain adoption and digital asset investments, continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of digital finance [6].

Standard Chartered’s involvement in the venture reflects its commitment to innovation and engagement with emerging technologies in a sustainable manner, supporting its long-term strategic goals in digital finance across Asia [7].

Source:

[1] Animoca Brands. Joint Venture Anchorpoint Licensed Stablecoin. https://www.animocabrands.com/joint-venture-anchorpoint-licensed-stablecoin

[2] Reuters. Standard Chartered Forms Joint Venture to Issue Stablecoins in Hong Kong. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/standard-chartered-forms-joint-venture-issue-stablecoins-hong-kong-2025-08-08/

[3] Animoca Brands. Partners Seek Stablecoin License in Hong Kong. https://blockchain.news/news/animoca-brands-partners-seek-stablecoin-license-hong-kong

[4] Standard Chartered. To Apply for HK Stablecoin License in Partnership. https://bitcoinist.com/standard-chartered-hong-kong-stablecoin-license/

[5] AInvest. Standard Chartered, Animoca HKT Form Stablecoin Venture for Hong Kong License. https://www.ainvest.com/news/standard-chartered-animoca-hkt-form-stablecoin-venture-hong-kong-license-2508/

[7] South China Morning Post. Standard Chartered-led Joint Venture Anchorpoint to Apply for Hong Kong Stablecoin Licence. https://amp.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3321204/standard-chartered-led-joint-venture-anchorpoint-apply-hong-kong-stablecoin-licence