October 29, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
Ant Group, the financial technology arm of Alibaba, has reportedly filed a trademark application for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong, hinting at a potential step toward cryptocurrency-related services. The move reflects growing interest among major Asian tech giants in exploring blockchain and digital asset opportunities amid Hong Kong’s push to become a regulated hub for virtual assets.
According to public records, the “AntCoin” trademark application was submitted in June 2025 and covers a range of financial services, including blockchain settlements, stablecoin issuance, digital asset custody, and loyalty or reward programs. The filing suggests that Ant Group may be laying the groundwork for integrating its digital payment ecosystem, particularly Alipay, with blockchain-based infrastructure in the future.
While the company has not issued an official statement regarding the filing, industry observers believe the move could mark the beginning of Ant Group’s renewed interest in Web3 technologies. The timing also aligns with Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework for stablecoins, which came into effect in August 2025. This framework allows licensed institutions to issue and manage stablecoins under clear compliance guidelines—an initiative that has attracted global fintech and crypto firms to the region.
Ant Group’s leadership is also expected to take part in Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, where digital assets, blockchain adoption, and cross-border payment innovations will be key discussion topics. The event will feature policymakers, financial executives, and crypto industry leaders, underlining Hong Kong’s ambition to balance innovation with regulatory oversight.
Market experts suggest that the “AntCoin” trademark could represent an early step in the company’s broader digital finance strategy, possibly aimed at linking traditional fintech infrastructure with emerging blockchain solutions. Although there is no confirmation of an actual token launch, the registration positions Ant Group to enter the digital asset arena once regulatory and technological conditions are fully aligned.
If developed further, “AntCoin” could potentially serve as a digital settlement mechanism or loyalty token within Ant Group’s vast ecosystem, spanning payments, e-commerce, and financial services.
Ant Group’s trademark filing underscores a growing convergence between mainstream fintech and blockchain technology, particularly as Asia continues to lead the global shift toward regulated crypto innovation.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
