finance, telecom, and Web3 pioneers launch Anchorpoint Financial to chase one of Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences under the new regulatory regime

8 August 2025

On August 8, 2025, Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong arm, Animoca Brands and Hong Kong Telecom revealed their formation of a joint venture named Anchorpoint Financial to apply for a licence to issue stablecoins in Hong Kong. This announcement came just days after the region enacted groundbreaking legislation on August 1 that regulates digital assets while offering clarity and guidance to institutions seeking to issue fiat-pegged tokens. The new venture signifies a rare alliance between traditional banking, telecommunications and Web3 innovators aiming to bridge the worlds of finance and digital assets.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets such as fiat currencies and are widely used by crypto traders and institutions for efficient transfers and treasury operations. Hong Kong’s new licensing regime requires issuers to meet rigorous standards, including maintaining full fiat reserves, implementing robust risk management protocols, enabling rapid redemptions and identifying holders to comply with anti-money laundering rules. The HKMA expects to issue a limited number of these licences in early 2026 and is carefully evaluating applicants.

The collaborative sandbox journey began in July 2024 when these three firms entered the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s stablecoin issuer sandbox experiment, designed to explore how regulated tokens could be safely embedded in payments infrastructure and broader financial markets. Their participation demonstrates proactive alignment with regulators and a commitment to compliance and experimentation.

Anchorpoint’s structure is poised to capitalize on the trio’s complementary strengths. Standard Chartered brings its bank-grade infrastructure, global governance experience and credibility with regulators. Animoca Brands contributes well-regarded expertise in the Web3 space, including blockchain innovation and user engagement in decentralized ecosystems. Hong Kong Telecom adds critical telecom infrastructure, mobile payments know‑how and retail reach creating potential for seamless token usage in everyday commerce and cross-border transactions.

Mary Huen, CEO of Standard Chartered Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia, underscored the strategic importance of the venture, saying their goal is to bring an innovative medium of exchange to Hong Kong and support its ambition as an international digital asset hub. Similarly, Evan Auyang of Animoca Brands highlighted stablecoins’ potential to link Web3 innovations with mainstream finance, and HKT emphasized benefits such as greater payment efficiency, security and transparency across retail channels.

The market’s response to the new licensing rules has been cautiously optimistic, although early reports saw investor jitters lead to dips in shares of some stablecoin concept companies. Analysts noted such corrections as healthy adjustments reflecting elevated expectations under more realistic regulatory conditions.

The initiative positions Hong Kong at the forefront of fintech innovation in Asia, particularly as other regions pursue digital finance reforms. By embedding stablecoins in existing financial infrastructure, the Anchorpoint venture could help streamline cross-border payments, provide Web3-compatible liquidity and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a regional digital asset leader.

As the HKMA gears up to evaluate applications early next year, only a select few licenses are expected to be granted. Anchorpoint stands among the first movers, signifying a new chapter where collaboration among banks, telecoms, and blockchain players may redefine the role of stablecoins in regulated markets.