Standard Chartered becomes first bank distributor of HKD stablecoin

"Since Anchorpoint received its stablecoin issuer licence, we have seen strong interest from clients exploring how HKDAP can support their business needs," SCBHK CEO Mary Huen said in the announcement. She added that SCBHK's distribution could support payments, settlement and treasury management while providing eligible clients with access through a regulated banking channel.

Anchorpoint is a joint venture established by SCBHK, telecommunications company HKT and Web3 investment company Animoca Brands. Standard Chartered is Anchorpoint's largest shareholder and the licensed issuer operates as a subsidiary of the bank. In February 2025, the partners announced plans for an HKD-backed stablecoin after participating in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's stablecoin issuer sandbox since July 2024. In August 2025, they formally established Anchorpoint Financial and began pursuing an issuer license.

Hong Kong's Stablecoins Ordinance took effect on Aug. 1, 2025. Ahead of its implementation, the HKMA issued supervisory guidelines and opened a public register of licensed issuers. On April 10, the HKMA granted its first stablecoin issuer licenses to Anchorpoint and HSBC's Hong Kong banking arm. The approvals came under rules requiring licensed issuers to meet standards covering reserve backing, redemption, governance and AML controls.