Standard Chartered Partners with Animoca and HKT to Pursue Stablecoin Licence in Hong Kong

Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong unit has established a joint venture with Animoca Brands and HKT to seek regulatory approval for issuing stablecoins in the city. The entity, named Anchorpoint Financial, has notified the Hong Kong Monetary Authority of its intention to apply under the city’s new licensing framework for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers.

The regulatory regime, which took effect on August 1, follows legislation passed in May to govern the issuance and management of stablecoins pegged to traditional currencies. The framework sets out operational and capital requirements for applicants, as well as ongoing compliance obligations.

The HKMA has indicated that the first licences under the regime could be issued in early 2026, signalling a formalised entry point for regulated stablecoin products in Hong Kong’s financial system. The move reflects increased engagement from established financial institutions and other sectors in developing licensed digital asset services under the city’s evolving regulatory structure.