Featured News Headlines
Ant Group Prepares for Web3 Move as It Registers ANTCOIN and Stablecoin Trademarks
Ant Group, China’s largest internet finance company and the fintech arm co-founded by Jack Ma, appears to be laying the groundwork for a return to the digital asset and blockchain space. According to a report from the Hong Kong Economic Times, the company has filed multiple trademark applications in Hong Kong related to virtual assets, stablecoins, and blockchain technologies, including one for a potential digital token named “ANTCOIN.”
Trademark Filings Signal Renewed Interest in Crypto
Public filings reviewed by Decrypt reveal that Ant Group submitted an application in June to Hong Kong’s Intellectual Property Department, covering a wide range of financial and digital-asset services. The proposed ANTCOIN mark includes services for online payments, e-wallets, foreign exchange, and the issuance and transfer of stablecoins and digital tokens.
While the application is still pending, industry observers view the move as a strategic step to protect Ant’s intellectual property amid Hong Kong’s push to become a regional crypto hub.
“This appears to be a strategic move to protect their interests,” said Joshua Chu, lawyer, lecturer, and co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association. “Although Beijing’s recent regulatory developments have put their stablecoin ambitions on ice, retaining IP rights ensures Ant can defend its brand.”
Regulatory Hurdles and Risk Mitigation
Reports earlier this month suggested that Beijing ordered major tech firms, including Ant Group, to pause stablecoin-related initiatives in Hong Kong. Chu noted that Ant’s next move will depend on how it resolves the issues that initially halted its ambitions.
He also warned about the risks of fraudulent tokens imitating legitimate stablecoins like USDT, underscoring that “trademark protection is a prudent and essential part of risk management” for firms entering Hong Kong’s regulated crypto market.
Ant’s Broader Blockchain Push
Despite regulatory headwinds, Ant Group has steadily integrated blockchain infrastructure into its operations. In July, the company partnered with Circle to pilot USDC-based cross-border payments via Alipay+, marking one of the first regulated stablecoin integrations into its global payment network.
In September, Ant Digital Technologies launched a blockchain platform to tokenize energy assets in China, linking approximately $8 billion worth of infrastructure to on-chain systems.
As Ant Group fortifies its intellectual property around digital assets, its ANTCOIN filings suggest that the fintech giant remains intent on positioning itself for a future revival in blockchain innovation—even as China’s regulatory stance continues to evolve.
[…] Economic News, the Democratic Party has formally notified the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to submit a government-backed proposal for stablecoin regulation by December 10. The outlet […]