Ant Group Denies Rare Earth-Backed Stablecoin Collaboration Rumors

Chinese tech giant Ant Group has formally denied recent rumors circulating online that it is collaborating with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) to launch a rare earth-backed RMB stablecoin. The claims, which surfaced in early August 2025 across multiple digital platforms, suggested the company was spearheading a digital currency project supported by rare earth assets, potentially redefining the role of stablecoins in China’s financial ecosystem [1]. In a statement posted on Weibo on Sunday night, Ant Group clarified that the alleged collaboration has never been part of its official strategy or discussions with any relevant institutions, urging the public to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to misinformation [2].

The denial emerged amid growing global interest in stablecoin technology, particularly among Chinese e-commerce firms seeking to leverage emerging regulatory frameworks in regions such as Hong Kong. These firms are reportedly exploring opportunities to launch their own stablecoins or integrate stablecoin-based payment systems into their international operations [3]. Despite this, Ant Group emphasized that it is currently not pursuing any rare earth-backed stablecoin initiatives, highlighting the need to differentiate between speculative narratives and verified corporate strategies [4].

Industry observers note that the timing of the rumors coincided with broader movements in the digital asset market, including significant inflows into Ethereum and Bitcoin spot ETFs. This overlap raises questions about whether the speculation was driven by genuine business developments or simply by market sentiment unrelated to Ant Group’s actual plans. The absence of any official confirmation from either PBoC or Ant Group further reinforces the view that the rumors were unfounded [5].

Ant Group has previously pursued blockchain and stablecoin integration, such as its plan to adopt Circle’s USDC stablecoin on its platform once it complies with U.S. regulations. It has also explored the possibility of launching stablecoins tied to the Hong Kong dollar. Other major Chinese firms, including JD.com, are similarly exploring stablecoin licensing in multiple countries to enhance cross-border payment efficiency. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of Chinese companies positioning themselves in international digital finance while adhering to domestic regulatory constraints [6].

The incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital asset space, particularly as more companies and regulators engage with stablecoin technology. Ant Group’s prompt response aligns with industry best practices in managing speculative claims, especially in an environment where misinformation can lead to market confusion and volatility. The company’s warning to the public to “be careful to identify and beware of being deceived” reflects a broader industry call for greater due diligence among investors and market participants [7].

The denial also highlights the regulatory landscape in China, where digital currency projects—particularly stablecoins—remain under strict scrutiny. The People’s Bank of China has been actively developing its own digital currency, the e-CNY, and has not indicated any interest in alternative stablecoin models backed by rare earth assets. Ant Group’s position suggests that any major digital currency initiatives in China are likely to be government-led or closely controlled [8].

Sources:

[1] PANews, [https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/2549346d-7f25-4b25-8913-09a90d163da4](https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/2549346d-7f25-4b25-8913-09a90d163da4)

[2] Bitcoin, [https://bitcoinworld.co.in/ant-group-stablecoin-denial/](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/ant-group-stablecoin-denial/)

[3] PANews, [https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/b02e2550-8991-4a24-9479-f22fac45c69e](https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/b02e2550-8991-4a24-9479-f22fac45c69e)

[4] Cointime, [https://www.cointime.ai/flash-news/binance-alpha-will-list-xelebprotocol-58019](https://www.cointime.ai/flash-news/binance-alpha-will-list-xelebprotocol-58019)

[5] Coincu, [https://coincu.com/news/ant-group-denies-stablecoin-rumor/](https://coincu.com/news/ant-group-denies-stablecoin-rumor/)

[6] Decrypt, [https://decrypt.co/334437/ant-group-denies-rumors-of-plans-for-rare-earth-stablecoins-with-pboc](https://decrypt.co/334437/ant-group-denies-rumors-of-plans-for-rare-earth-stablecoins-with-pboc)

[8] Cointime, [https://www.cointime.ai/flash-news/ld-capital-founder-29539](https://www.cointime.ai/flash-news/ld-capital-founder-29539)