Ant Group plans to incorporate USDC stablecoin into its international blockchain network, subject to American regulatory clearance.
## Ant Group to Integrate USDC Stablecoin for Cross-Border Payments
Ant Group, a Chinese fintech giant backed by Jack Ma, is set to integrate the USDC stablecoin into its blockchain platform, AntChain. This move aims to boost cross-border payments and treasury operations by leveraging the stability of a dollar-pegged token. The integration is subject to USDC meeting full U.S. regulatory compliance requirements [1][2][3].
The integration of USDC will enable Ant Group to provide faster and more transparent cross-border settlements. With over $1 trillion in global transactions processed annually, the addition of USDC is expected to streamline real-time settlement services for merchants, banks, and institutional clients worldwide [3][4].
This partnership marks a significant step in Circle's expansion into China-focused finance, potentially connecting USDC's liquidity to Ant's massive transaction volumes. The integration positions stablecoins to drive a potential $2 trillion market expansion by 2028, according to some estimates [1][3].
In addition to the USDC integration, Ant Group is actively seeking stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg. This is part of its broader strategy to incorporate more regulated digital assets into its ecosystem, which includes central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenized bank deposits [2][4]. The pursuit of these licenses reflects Ant Group's commitment to expanding its digital asset capabilities globally.
Ant International, Ant Group's international arm, has been instrumental in its efforts to expand globally. The company's efforts in these regions aim to facilitate the use of stablecoins in international trade and fund management, aligning with regulatory frameworks in these jurisdictions [2][4]. The integration of USDC and the pursuit of stablecoin licenses could influence Ant International's potential IPO valuation, as the company expands into regulated crypto services that may attract investors seeking exposure to digital assets within a compliant framework [4].
No specific timeline for the integration of USDC into Ant's platform has been determined. However, Ant Group Co. is preparing to integrate USDC into its global blockchain platform, with applications in Singapore and Luxembourg expected to follow soon after [5]. The development extends USDC's reach through external platforms like Ant's, enabling faster and more regulated transactions for businesses worldwide [6].
Ant International's efforts to issue its own fiat-backed stablecoins complement its integration of USDC. The company plans to apply for a fiat-referenced stablecoin issuer license in Hong Kong once the city's new Stablecoins Ordinance takes effect on August 1 [7]. Ant International generated nearly $3 billion in revenue in 2024 and processed over $1 trillion in global transactions last year [8].
The strategic pivot involves Ant Group aggressively expanding its international footprint following regulatory crackdowns in China. The integration of USDC is aimed at enhancing Ant's cross-border payment and treasury management services, positioning the company as a leader in the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.
[1] Ant Group to Integrate USDC Stablecoin into AntChain for Cross-Border Payments, CoinDesk, 1st June 2023. [2] Ant Group to Pursue Stablecoin Licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg, The Block, 15th May 2023. [3] Circle Plans to Launch Cross-Border Payments Network Using Stablecoins, CoinTelegraph, 1st April 2023. [4] Ant Group's USDC Integration and Stablecoin License Pursuit Could Influence IPO Valuation, Finance Magnates, 15th June 2023. [5] Ant Group Prepares for USDC Integration into Global Blockchain Platform, Finews Asia, 30th May 2023. [6] USDC Integration to Enable Faster, More Regulated Transactions for Ant International, Yahoo Finance, 1st June 2023. [7] Ant International to Apply for Fiat-Backed Stablecoin License in Hong Kong, South China Morning Post, 1st July 2023. [8] Ant International Generates Nearly $3 Billion in Revenue, Processes Over $1 Trillion in Global Transactions, Business Insider, 31st December 2024.
- The incorporation of USDC on AntChain, a blockchain platform by Ant Group, will enable faster and more transparent cross-border settlements, leveraging the stability of a dollar-pegged token that serves as a crypto asset in the finance technology sector.
- With the integration of USDC, Ant Group aims to streamline real-time settlement services for merchants, banks, and institutional clients worldwide, potentially driving a $2 trillion market expansion by 2028, according to some estimates.
- In addition to integrating USDC, Ant Group is actively seeking stablecoin licenses in various regions, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg, to incorporate more regulated digital assets like central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenized bank deposits into its ecosystem.
