Core Viewpoint - Ant Group's subsidiaries, Ant International and Ant Digital, plan to apply for a stablecoin license in Hong Kong, indicating a strategic dual approach to enter the global stablecoin regulatory market as the new regulations come into effect in August 2023 [1][2]. Group 1: Business Strategy - Both Ant International and Ant Digital have expressed intentions to apply for the Hong Kong stablecoin license, with Ant International focusing on global treasury management and expanding partnerships, while Ant Digital aims to build digital trading scenarios based on stablecoins [2][3]. - Ant International anticipates processing over $1 trillion in funds in 2024, with over $300 billion expected to utilize blockchain technology, potentially leading to a stablecoin transaction volume exceeding $150 billion [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - The Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Stablecoin Regulation Bill in May 2023, which will take effect on August 1, 2023, requiring issuers to meet specific conditions, including a minimum capital of HKD 25 million and 100% reserve asset custody [4]. - The regulation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for virtual asset activities in Hong Kong, ensuring financial stability while promoting financial innovation [4]. Group 3: Market Potential - Stablecoins serve as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto assets, offering stability and convenience for payments and cross-border transactions, thus presenting significant market potential [4][5]. - Ant Digital's focus on technology infrastructure aims to create a new incremental market for stablecoin transactions, enhancing trading efficiency and liquidity [3][4].
蚂蚁国际、蚂蚁数科双双表态，蚂蚁集团“双线竞速”香港稳定币牌照