8-8-2025 – Anchorpoint Financial Limited, a joint venture between Animoca Brands, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT), has formally applied for a stablecoin issuer license with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The application, submitted on August 1, coincides with the enforcement of Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance, which mandates licensing for fiat-backed stablecoin issuers.
The venture aims to issue a Hong Kong dollar (HKD)-backed stablecoin, leveraging Standard Chartered’s banking infrastructure, Animoca Brands’ blockchain expertise, and HKT’s mobile payment systems. Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, emphasized stablecoins’ role in Web3, stating they could bridge traditional finance and digital assets, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub.
The trio’s participation in the HKMA’s stablecoin sandbox since July 2024 has helped refine their approach to compliant digital currency solutions. Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework requires strict adherence to capital, reserve, and cybersecurity standards, positioning the city as a leader in regulated digital assets. Anchorpoint’s early application signals its intent to capitalize on this clarity, potentially setting a precedent for institutional stablecoin adoption in Asia.
The HKMA is expected to issue only a limited number of licenses in 2026, heightening competition among applicants.
