In a bold step for the finance and crypto worlds, Animoca Brands, a prominent Web3 investor, has teamed up with the Hong Kong division of multinational bank Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) to form a joint venture named Anchorpoint. This newly minted collaboration aims to carve out a niche in the stablecoin industry, seeking a license in Hong Kong under the city’s fresh regulatory framework, which took effect at the start of August 2025.
The Birth of Anchorpoint
Anchorpoint emerges as a promising player in the burgeoning world of stablecoins—a type of cryptocurrency pegged to traditional financial assets like the U.S. dollar. The joint venture’s ambition to secure a stablecoin issuer license aligns with Hong Kong’s newly minted regulatory regime, a move that’s poised to reshape the landscape for digital currencies in the region. According to an announcement on Friday, the trio of companies has been preparing for this moment for over a year, actively participating in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) stablecoin sandbox to perfect their approach.
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. The special administrative region’s regulatory framework aims to provide clarity and oversight in an industry often characterized by its volatility. Approximately 40 companies are expected to vie for licenses under Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance, but HKMA CEO Eddie Yue recently hinted that only a select few—likely fewer than 10—will receive the green light. This development is part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for digital assets, as discussed in Hong Kong Kicks Off Stablecoin Licensing Regime With Eye on Global Hub.
Hong Kong’s Regulatory Leap
Hong Kong’s regulatory shift comes amid a global trend toward stricter oversight of digital currencies. In the United States, the GENIUS Act has been a significant stride toward regulating stablecoins, underscoring a worldwide move to bring these digital assets into the fold of traditional financial systems. The implications for companies like Animoca Brands and Standard Chartered are profound, as they navigate the dual challenges of innovation and compliance.
One might wonder, what sets Anchorpoint apart? The answer lies in the unique blend of expertise and strategic positioning. Animoca Brands is a heavyweight in the Web3 space, while Standard Chartered brings a legacy of financial acumen, and HKT offers technological prowess. This trifecta positions Anchorpoint as a formidable contender in the race to shape the future of stablecoins. The move mirrors broader trends in the industry, such as Visa’s recent expansion of stablecoin features, which you can read more about in Visa Adds More Stablecoin Features, Unveiling Avalanche, Stellar Support.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The entry of such established players into the stablecoin arena could herald a new era of trust and stability in the market. Analysts suggest that the involvement of Standard Chartered, a name synonymous with banking reliability, could lend an air of legitimacy to the nascent digital asset class. “This collaboration could signal a tipping point,” notes Jane Li, a cryptocurrency analyst based in Shanghai. “Having a bank of Standard Chartered’s stature involved sends a strong message to both investors and regulators.”
However, the path forward is not without its hurdles. The competitive landscape is fierce, with numerous companies eager to secure a slice of the stablecoin pie. Moreover, the regulatory environment, while clearer than before, still presents challenges that firms must navigate with care. The HKMA’s cautious approach to licensing indicates an intent to balance innovation with security—a delicate dance that will require both finesse and foresight from Anchorpoint and its peers.
As we look ahead, the key question remains: can Anchorpoint and its collaborators leverage their collective strengths to not only secure a license but also lead the charge in a rapidly evolving sector? The answer will likely unfold in the coming months, as the market reacts to the regulatory shifts and the competitive dynamics continue to evolve.
In the end, Anchorpoint’s journey is emblematic of a broader narrative—one where traditional finance and cutting-edge technology converge, promising to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of money. Whether this new venture will soar or stumble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the world are watching.
Source
This article is based on: Animoca Brands and Standard Chartered Establish Stablecoin Issuer in Hong Kong
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Visa Expands Stablecoin Ecosystem To Include PayPal, Circle
- KakaoBank plans to ‘actively participate’ in stablecoin market: Report
- Hashkey CEO: China Will Re-engage with Crypto, starting with Stablecoins and RWA
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
