August 11, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
Not every day do banking, blockchain, and telecom giants unite for a single mission. But in Hong Kong, Standard Chartered’s local branch, Web3 leader Animoca Brands, and telecom powerhouse HKT have teamed up to launch Anchorpoint Financial Limited, aiming to be among the first companies to secure a stablecoin issuer license under the city’s brand-new regulatory framework.
The joint venture submitted its expression of interest on August 1, the very day Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance came into effect. Anchorpoint’s goal is to issue a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin designed to operate within a regulated environment. The vision is to combine blockchain’s efficiency with the credibility of licensed financial oversight, creating a reliable tool for both domestic and cross-border payments.
Animoca Brands, widely known for its blockchain gaming ventures and investments in the Web3 ecosystem, has been participating in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s stablecoin sandbox since July 2024. This experience is expected to give Anchorpoint a head start in meeting the regulator’s rigorous requirements. The HKMA has indicated it will approve only a limited number of licenses in early 2026, reflecting a careful approach toward integrating stablecoins into the financial system.
Mary Huen, CEO of Standard Chartered Hong Kong and Greater China, said that stablecoins could play a crucial role in building a sustainable digital asset ecosystem while strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial hub. Animoca Group President Evan Auyang highlighted that stablecoins are one of the most practical and high-impact use cases in Web3, capable of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the next generation of digital services.
The new licensing framework comes with strict conditions, including reserve asset management, segregation of client funds, robust redemption processes, anti-money laundering protocols, and clear operational disclosures. While these measures set a high entry bar, they are designed to foster trust and stability in the emerging market.
Anchorpoint Financial’s entry into the licensing process signals growing institutional confidence in stablecoins, especially those pegged to non-USD currencies. As Hong Kong moves forward with clear rules and high standards, the city positions itself as a controlled yet innovative environment for digital currency development.
If successful, Anchorpoint will not only be part of Hong Kong’s first wave of licensed stablecoin issuers but could also shape the way digital currencies gain trust and utility in regulated markets worldwide.
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.
