Ant Group’s ‘AntCoin’ Trademark Points to Blockchain Expansion Ahead of Hong Kong FinTech Week
Ant Group, the Alibaba-affiliated fintech giant behind Alipay, has filed a trademark for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong, signaling early steps toward integrating blockchain and stablecoin technology within its vast payments network.
While the filing stops short of confirming a token launch, it reflects Ant’s strategic positioning to align its ecosystem with Hong Kong’s newly regulated Web3 and digital-asset framework.
The June filing, now circulating widely on crypto-focused social media, precedes Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing’s upcoming appearance at Hong Kong FinTech Week, where he will speak alongside Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui and Primavera Capital’s Fred Hu. This year’s event places unprecedented emphasis on digital assets, underscoring Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a regulated hub for crypto innovation.
According to public records, the AntCoin trademark covers a broad spectrum of financial activities — from banking, lending, and FX to blockchain settlements, stablecoin issuance, digital custody, and rewards programs. Such breadth suggests that AntCoin could serve as a connective layer between Alipay’s financial infrastructure and Hong Kong’s regulated crypto ecosystem.
The move follows Ant Group’s earlier indication that it was reviewing Hong Kong’s stablecoin licensing regime, which came into effect in August. The framework allows licensed entities to issue fiat-backed digital tokens, paving the way for regional financial institutions to participate in compliant Web3 ventures.
If realized, AntCoin could mark one of Asia’s first fintech-led stablecoin projects, combining Ant’s global reach with Hong Kong’s regulatory clarity.
Ant Group declined to comment when contacted by CoinDesk.
