In a strategic move marking its intent to delve deeper into the digital asset space, Ant Group, the fintech offshoot of Alibaba, has filed for a trademark of 22AntCoin22 in Hong Kong. This application, submitted in June 2025, encompasses a broad range of financial services including stablecoin issuance, digital asset custody, and traditional banking features.
The public announcement of this trademark coincided with the highly anticipated Hong Kong FinTech Week, where Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing is slated to address attendees alongside prominent government officials, including Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services, Christopher Hui. This convergence of events underscores Ant Group’s commitment to participating in the dynamic Web3 landscape.
The scope of the AntCoin trademark filing is noteworthy; it encompasses not only traditional banking operations such as lending and foreign exchange but also innovative blockchain-based solutions like stablecoin operations and digital asset management. Such a comprehensive approach positions Ant Group to seamlessly integrate its widely used Alipay payment platform with the burgeoning regulatory frameworks shaping Hong Kong’s digital economy.
This trademark application comes on the heels of Beijing’s recent decision to shut down stablecoin projects by both Ant Group and its competitor JD.com within mainland China, highlighting a stark contrast in regulatory approaches between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. While the former tightens its grip on digital currency initiatives, Hong Kong is fostering a more conducive environment for fintech development.
Hong Kong’s Embrace of Web3
Hong Kong has garnered a reputation as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, implementing licensing frameworks that attract a slew of financial technology firms eager to explore the digital asset realm. The recent licensing regime for stablecoins, effective from August 2025, aligns with Ant Group’s aspirations, showcasing the city’s meticulous efforts to create a nurturing landscape for cryptocurrency innovation.
While the trademark filing does not guarantee that Ant Group will launch a token or stablecoin, it serves to legally protect the AntCoin branding across various financial services. This maneuver allows Ant Group significant flexibility as it navigates the evolving landscape of digital finance, establishing a potential stronghold in the space.
Operating Alipay, one of the world27s largest mobile payment platforms boasting hundreds of millions of users, Ant Group possesses robust experience in managing digital payment ecosystems. The prospect of extending this infrastructure to embrace blockchain technologies presents a captivating new avenue for the fintech giant.
Trademark Filing Insights
The trademark application lodged with Hong Kong’s Intellectual Property Department encompasses nearly all notable categories of financial activity, illustrating Ant Group’s strategic foresight in its service offerings. As FinTech Week draws attention this year to topics heavily embedded in crypto discussions, Jing’s presence further signifies the company’s eagerness to align with the digital asset sector, notwithstanding the obstacles faced on the mainland.
Ant Group has remained tight-lipped regarding specific operational plans tied to AntCoin. As it stands, the trademark filing is the principal indicator of the company’s intent to explore blockchain opportunities in Hong Kong. The future development and potential launch of AntCoin will ultimately hinge on regulatory approval and strategic business decisions as Ant Group assesses its path forward in this rapidly evolving landscape.
