The Hong Kong stablecoin license application process has actually begun for Standard Chartered Bank, and also Animoca Brands and HKT through their joint venture called Anchorpoint Financial Limited. This Animoca Brands partnership represents a major Standard Chartered crypto initiative that’s targeting the AnchorPoint joint venture as a regulated stablecoin issuer in Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework right now.

AnchorPoint’s Bold Move: Stablecoin License, Banking & Regulation

Anchorpoint Financial has expressed its official intention to Hong Kong Monetary Authority to the Hong Kong stablecoin license on August 1, 2025, just when the Stablecoins Ordinance 2025 actually came into force. The project by the Animoca Brands partnership allows the three to be among the earliest applicants based in Hong Kong under its new regulatory regime on stablecoins, despite the fact that the exercise is only beginning.

Official Statements and Market Vision

The companies have been preparing for this Hong Kong stablecoin license application for quite some time now, actually. Evan Auyang, group president of Animoca Brands, said that:

“Animoca Brands is proud to partner with Standard Chartered and HKT to form Anchorpoint in applying for a stablecoin issuer license under the HKMA, with a view to bringing stablecoins into the mainstream financial ecosystem in Hong Kong.”

He also emphasized the market potential, saying:

“Stablecoins represent one of the most compelling use cases within Web3, and we believe we are still at the early frontier of widespread adoption across institutions and retail alike.”

Auyang further noted:

“As assets continue to move on-chain, the HKMA-regulated fiat-referenced stablecoin is important in reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial center.”

Regulatory Steps and Timeline

Since July 2024, this AnchorPoint joint venture has been participating in the HKMA stablecoin issuer sandbox program, along with some other companies. An Animoca Brands representative confirmed that the “formal interest” indication represents the first step in the licensing process for any regulated stablecoin issuer, which is actually important to note.

The Standard Chartered crypto strategy includes exploring HKD-backed stablecoin issuance, which aligns with their sandbox participation and also their broader plans. The HKMA has indicated that it expects the first batch of Hong Kong stablecoin license approvals to be granted early next year.

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The Stablecoins Ordinance mandates that fiat-backed stablecoin issuers obtain HKMA licensing, providing regulatory clarity for companies seeking to operate in Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem right now. This Standard Chartered crypto initiative, along with the Animoca Brands partnership, shows how even traditional banks are moving into the regulated stablecoin issuer space.