Ant International to Integrate USDC Stablecoin into Blockchain Network

Ant International, the international arm of Ant Group, is set to integrate Circle’s USDC stablecoin into its AntChain blockchain network. This strategic move is contingent upon USDC complying with American regulations, a process that Circle is currently undergoing. The integration would grant Ant direct access to the second-largest global stablecoin, USDC, which has a circulation of around 62 billion dollars, positioning it as a significant player in the digital payments ecosystem.

This collaboration is part of Ant International’s broader strategy to obtain stablecoin licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including Singapore, China Hong Kong, and Luxembourg. The move comes as Ant International, backed by Jack Ma, processes over 1 trillion dollars in annual transactions, with a significant portion conducted through its proprietary blockchain. The integration of USDC would enhance Ant’s treasury and cross-border settlement services, providing a stable and regulated payment infrastructure.

The timing of this partnership is strategic, following the U.S. Senate’s adoption of a law in June that established clear rules for dollar-indexed cryptocurrencies. This regulatory clarity has boosted optimism around stablecoins, with Circle being one of the primary beneficiaries. Ant International’s vision is to offer “regulated crypto rails” to its clients, collaborating with over ten international banks, including HSBC, JPMorgan, and Standard Chartered, to develop tokenized assets on its blockchain.

This collaboration aligns with a broader trend where stablecoins are gaining traction against traditional payment systems. These digital assets now surpass Visa and Mastercard in on-chain transaction volume, gradually becoming the default settlement layer of the Web. For Ant International, integrating USDC is a key component of its diversification strategy following regulatory setbacks in 2020 that halted its record IPO. Since then, the international unit has established an independent board of directors and generated nearly 3 billion dollars in revenue in 2024.

Ant International’s potential listing in China Hong Kong could value the company between 8 and 24 billion dollars, according to analysts' forecast. This outlook drives the company’s ambition to secure stablecoin licenses in various regions. Meanwhile, Circle continues its expansion, having multiplied partnerships with providers such as OKX and Stripe, and applying for a national banking license in the USA. A deal with Ant would allow Circle to extend its stablecoin to one of the largest payment networks outside the United States.

The agreement between Ant and Circle signifies a significant transformation in the financial sector. Stablecoins are evolving from mere crypto trading tools to the foundational infrastructure for a new international payment system. Major companies like Walmart and Amazon are considering issuing their own stablecoins, while PayPal has already done so. However, this development raises regulatory concerns, with global authorities seeking to manage the risks of collapse and money laundering.

Despite these challenges, the potential for stablecoins is immense. According to Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary under Donald Trump, stablecoins could represent over 2,000 billion dollars by 2028, provided clear laws are enacted. Ant International’s strategy is clear: to become a central player in this monetary revolution. By integrating USDC into its services, Jack Ma’s company aims to redraw the rules of the game in a sector where speed, compliance, and innovation are paramount.