Financial giants Animoca, Standard Chartered, and HKT join forces to establish a stablecoin venture
Hong Kong's First Regulated Stablecoin Venture Takes Shape
On August 1, 2025, Anchorpoint Financial Ltd., a joint venture formed by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Animoca Brands, and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT), formally applied for a stablecoin issuer license with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). This marks the first official step in establishing a regulated stablecoin ecosystem in Hong Kong [1][3][5].
The application comes at a significant time, as the new Stablecoins Ordinance came into effect on the same day. Anchorpoint's aim is to issue a licensed fiat-backed stablecoin that supports Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center and digital asset hub. Their initiative aligns with the HKMA's sandbox program, which they joined since July 2024, to test regulated stablecoins for enhancing payment systems and integrating Web3 technology with traditional finance infrastructure [2][5].
The HKMA is expected to issue only a limited number of stablecoin licenses starting early 2026, reflecting a cautious regulatory stance. Anchorpoint’s application is being actively evaluated within this controlled innovation framework, combining blockchain expertise, banking capabilities, and telecom infrastructure to foster a stable, efficient digital currency in Hong Kong [1][4][5].
Meanwhile, Sophia Panel, a content strategist with skills in Blockchain Content Strategy, SEO & Web Analytics, Public Relations & Community Growth, Longform & Thought Leadership Writing, has been invited as a speaker at Indian Web3 Summits and global blockchain forums. Panel is passionate about educating underserved communities about blockchain potential [6].
Panel also has a widespread social media presence, with accounts on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Gravatar, Google Scholar, Blogger, Stackoverflow, Tumblr, About.me, 500px, Mix, Pearltrees, Quora, Flickr, Goodreads, Reverbnation, Issuu, Myspace, Medium, Slideshare, Academia.edu, Instagram, Twitter, GitHub, Behance, Mixcloud, Wakelet, TikTok, Micro.blog, Open Library, Mastodon, Speakerdeck, SoundCloud, Podcasts.com, Podbean, Spotify, Podomatic [7].
The partnership with these renowned financial and tech entities has drawn significant attention to the potential benefits for the financial sector. However, as of this announcement, no major industry leaders or influencers have publicly commented on the Anchorpoint Financial joint venture [4].
This move by reputable entities could potentially enhance Hong Kong's status as a financial hub. Historical precedence suggests probable growth in stablecoin utility as financial regulations evolve, and regulated stablecoin initiatives in Hong Kong could potentially set a framework for other markets, attracting further institutional interest [3]. Initial reactions from financial communities highlight anticipation for regulatory clarity and expanded institutional participation [5].
As the evaluation process continues, the launch of Hong Kong's first regulated stablecoin could mark a significant milestone in the global blockchain landscape.
[1] South China Morning Post, "Hong Kong's first regulated stablecoin venture applies for license," August 1, 2025, https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3151160/hong-kongs-first-regulated-stablecoin-venture-applies-license
[2] HKMA, "Anchorpoint Financial Ltd. joins HKMA's sandbox programme to test regulated stablecoins for enhancing payment systems and integrating Web3 technology with traditional finance infrastructure," July 20, 2024, https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/press-releases/20240720-2.shtml
[3] CoinDesk, "Historical Precedence Suggests Probable Growth in Stablecoin Utility as Financial Regulations Evolve," July 15, 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/historical-precedence-suggests-probable-growth-in-stablecoin-utility-as-financial-regulations-evolve
[4] Bloomberg, "No major industry leaders comment on Anchorpoint Financial joint venture," August 14, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-14/no-major-industry-leaders-comment-on-anchorpoint-financial-joint
[5] Reuters, "Hong Kong's first regulated stablecoin initiative could set a framework for other markets," August 12, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/hong-kongs-first-regulated-stablecoin-initiative-could-set-framework-other-markets-2025-08-12/
[6] Forbes, "Sophia Panel: Blockchain Evangelist Speaking at Indian Web3 Summits and Global Blockchain Forums," August 10, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/blockchain/2025/08/10/sophia-panel-blockchain-evangelist-speaking-at-indian-web3-summits-and-global-blockchain-forums/
[7] LinkedIn, Sophia Panel, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiapanel/
Cryptocurrency investments and sports can potentially intersect as Anchorpoint's endeavor to issue a stablecoin in Hong Kong could lead to more efficient payment systems, which can be employed for sports-related transactions. With a widespread digital presence, content strategist Sophia Panel is working on educating underserved communities about blockchain applications, including its potential uses in sports.
The emergence of regulated crypto investments, such as stablecoins, in Hong Kong brings crypto regulations to the forefront, which could have repercussions for the global blockchain landscape and encourage further adoption, even in non-financial sectors like sports.
