Core Insights - Ant Group has applied for trademarks related to virtual assets and blockchain technology in Hong Kong, including "ANTCOIN" [1][2] - The applications cover online payments, electronic wallets, foreign exchange services, and stablecoins [2] - The trademark filings are seen as a strategic move to protect Ant Group's interests in the virtual asset sector [3] Company Developments - The ANTCOIN trademark application was submitted in June and is currently pending [1] - In July, Ant Group partnered with Circle to pilot USDC-based cross-border payments, integrating a regulated stablecoin into its payment infrastructure [5] - In September, Ant Digital Technologies launched a blockchain platform to tokenize energy assets in China, linking approximately $8 billion worth of infrastructure to on-chain systems [6] Industry Context - Major tech firms, including Ant Group, were reportedly ordered to suspend stablecoin initiatives in Hong Kong in October 2025 [4] - Traditional financial institutions globally are moving towards stablecoin adoption, with Japan's major banks planning to issue stablecoins and North Dakota announcing a state-backed stablecoin [7]

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