It seems like blockchain is making inroads into China and beyond, ploughing into crypto and Web3 adoption. Chinese e-commerce and tech giant Alibaba-owned Ant Group has reportedly filed for multiple crypto trademarks, including AntCoin, eyeing to expand into blockchain-based services and stablecoins. Although the AntCoin token has been trademarked, it has not been launched or listed so far.
However, here is what you should know. Ant Group’s trademark filing did not happen out of thin air; the company silently moved for the trademark back in June 2025. The move was spotted recently in Hong Kong’s Intellectual Property Department database, which gained attention in crypto communities in the country.
A Chinese media outlet stated that Ant Group, the company behind Alipay, applied to register a series of trademarks related to “virtual assets, stablecoins, and blockchain in Hong Kong this year”, which also includes AntCoin. This is possibly a preparatory step for future expansion of related businesses, noted the media.
Ant Group’s stablecoin integration
The fintech company has already ventured into the digital asset industry with plans to integrate Circle’s USDC into its blockchain platform — AntChain.
Ant Group’s digital asset initiatives are not limited to these ventures. Earlier this month, Ant International, the global arm of Ant Group has planned to apply for stablecoin licenses in prominent fintech hubs in Europe and Asia.
China’s regulatory stance and Hong Kong’s open door
China is strict on cryptocurrencies, although progressive on tokeized and blockchain finance. The country is also a pioneer in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), with the Digital Yuan intended to replace cash but not to compete with crypto.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China, holds its own legal and financial system, particularly, Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). The regulatory frameworks in Hong Kong allows companies to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses, which is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Ant Group filed for the AntCoin trademark and USDC integration via its Hong Kong entity.
