TLDR
- Ant Group, Jack Ma’s Chinese fintech giant, plans to integrate Circle’s USDC stablecoin into its global blockchain platform serving 1.6 billion users
- The integration depends on USDC achieving full U.S. regulatory compliance following the GENIUS Act passage
- Ant processed over $1 trillion in global payments last year, with one-third conducted via blockchain
- Circle’s stock has benefited from the regulatory clarity, with the company now valued at $46 billion
- Ant International is pursuing stablecoin licensing in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg for regulated crypto expansion
Chinese fintech powerhouse Ant Group is reportedly planning to integrate Circle’s USDC stablecoin into its global blockchain platform. The move marks a major step for both companies as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Bloomberg reported Thursday that the integration depends on USDC achieving full regulatory compliance in the United States. This follows the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, which aims to establish clear legal frameworks for dollar-backed digital assets.
Ant International, the overseas division of Ant Group, is leading the effort. The company operates the blockchain platform that currently supports treasury management and cross-border payments functions.
Whoaaaaaaaa!!! “Jack Ma-backed Ant Group Co. is working with Circle $CRCL to adopt its stablecoin on the Chinese fintech company’s blockchain platform, according to people familiar with the matter.” pic.twitter.com/dZ821LzTSg
— Jevgenijs Kazanins (@jevgenijs) July 10, 2025
The platform serves as a hub for tokenized financial instruments. It processed over $1 trillion in global payments last year, with one-third conducted via blockchain technology.
Circle has emerged as a key beneficiary of recent policy shifts toward regulated stablecoins. The company went public and now trades under the ticker CRCL.
In April, Circle announced a new payments network designed to help financial institutions settle cross-border transactions using USDC. The company is now valued at $46 billion following its IPO last month.
Growing Institutional Interest
The discussions between Circle and Ant reflect broader institutional interest in regulated stablecoins. This trend gained momentum after the U.S. Senate passed legislation in June targeting digital asset regulation.
Stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies, have become essential infrastructure in global finance. The market reached $250 billion in circulation as of June.
However, regulators worldwide continue refining rules to prevent risks such as illicit use and sudden collapses. The regulatory uncertainty has shaped how companies approach stablecoin adoption.
Ant International’s head of platform tech, Kelvin Li, clarified the company’s initial focus. Speaking at the Reuters Next conference in Singapore, he said the firm “will not be focusing on crypto transactions” initially.
“We’ll be focusing on global payments,” Li added. “We believe stablecoins are an important means that will enable us to provide global payments in a much more efficient way.”
Ant’s Strategic Pivot
Ant Group has shifted its strategy following regulatory challenges in China. Chinese regulators blocked the company’s record IPO in 2020, forcing a pivot from its once-dominant lending business.
The company now focuses on blockchain technology and international growth. Ant International operates with an independent board and posted nearly $3 billion in revenue in 2024.
The overseas division has achieved two consecutive years of adjusted profitability. Analysts believe it could command a valuation between $8 billion and $24 billion if it pursues a Hong Kong listing.
Ant International is reportedly pursuing stablecoin licensing in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg. These licenses would support its expansion into regulated crypto offerings.
The exact timeline for the USDC integration remains unclear. Sources indicate the partnership discussions are ongoing but contingent on regulatory developments.
Both Circle and Ant declined to comment on the partnership when contacted by media outlets. The companies have not provided official confirmation of the integration plans.
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