Paul Johnson Anchorpoint Financial Targets Hong Kong’s New Licensing Regime
Standard Chartered announced on Friday that it has formed a joint venture with strategic partners to apply for a licence to issue stablecoins in Hong Kong, just days after the city’s new regulatory framework took effect.
The joint venture, named Anchorpoint Financial, unites Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong branch, blockchain gaming developer Animoca Brands, and telecommunications company HKT. The group has formally notified the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) of its interest in applying for the licence.
Stablecoins Under the Spotlight
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, most often pegged to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar.
They are a key tool in the digital asset ecosystem, commonly used for:
Moving funds between cryptocurrencies
Facilitating trades without direct fiat conversion
Enabling faster settlement across exchanges
Hong Kong’s Push for Regulatory Clarity
In May 2025, Hong Kong passed legislation establishing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers. The goal: to provide clear rules, regulatory oversight, and investor protection for participants in the stablecoin market.
The legislation officially took effect on August 1, 2025.
“The HKMA expects the first batch of stablecoin issuer licences to be granted early next year.” — HKMA briefing, July 2025
A Growing Regulated Digital Asset Market
With the first licences expected in early 2026, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a regulated hub for digital assets in Asia. Standard Chartered’s move, in partnership with tech and telecom leaders, signals growing institutional interest in compliant, fiat-backed crypto products.
If successful, Anchorpoint Financial could be among the early stablecoin issuers operating under Hong Kong’s new regime, potentially shaping the city’s next phase of digital finance development.
