Fintech Companies Safeguard Intellectual Property as Hong Kong Requires Stablecoin Licenses

Hong Kong’s financial authority has indicated that any stablecoin tied to the Hong Kong dollar—regardless of whether it is issued locally or internationally—will need to obtain a license under the city’s new stablecoin regulations, which come into effect on August 1, 2025, according to the

. This initiative, designed to balance technological advancement with financial security, has led major fintech companies to proactively protect their intellectual property. For example, Ant Group has registered the "ANTCOIN" trademark, which covers digital currencies, blockchain technology, and electronic payments.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has set out comprehensive rules for stablecoin issuers, requiring them to maintain full reserves, undergo routine audits, and implement strong anti-money laundering measures. These standards are applicable to both domestic and overseas operators, who must secure HKMA approval before making fiat-backed stablecoins available to users in Hong Kong. The regulatory framework is intended to encourage innovation while managing potential risks, establishing the

as a regulated center for digital assets in the Asian region.

Ant Group’s trademark registration highlights the importance of establishing brand protection before launching new products. By securing the "ANTCOIN" trademark, the Alipay parent company is preparing the legal foundation for future digital currency projects. While the company has yet to officially announce a token launch, it is aligning its actions with Hong Kong’s regulatory schedule, which provides a grace period for applicants to fulfill licensing requirements. Experts in the industry point out that such early preparations are typical among major financial firms gearing up for new offerings or adapting to regulatory changes.

This regulatory shift has encouraged other large mainland-affiliated corporations to take similar steps. JD.com’s financial subsidiary, JD Coinlink, has applied for trademarks on "Jcoin" and "Joycoin," and Fosun International has participated in policy discussions with Hong Kong authorities. These moves reflect a growing interest in using Hong Kong’s forward-looking digital asset policies to connect traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Paul Chan Mo-po, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, has stressed the city’s significance in national development strategies, including its role in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), as a central platform for broader economic integration, according to

. This is in line with Beijing’s emphasis on high-quality growth and technological progress, positioning Hong Kong as a vital link for cross-border cooperation. The Northern Metropolis project, a key component of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is also expected to gain from this regulatory transparency.

With the stablecoin sector evolving, industry participants are watching closely as companies like Ant Group work through the licensing process. The HKMA’s strategy—blending support for innovation with strong risk controls—mirrors a worldwide movement toward more structured oversight of digital assets. As Hong Kong’s market becomes increasingly attractive to investors, the balance between strict regulation and technological advancement will shape the city’s influence in the future of finance.