Jack Ma-backed Ant Group is collaborating with Circle Internet Financial (issuer of USDC) to integrate the U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin into Ant’s blockchain infrastructure. The need for regulation is driving this move, as Ant’s international business seeks to utilize trusted digital currencies, due to evolving compliance environments in the U.S.

Ant International—the overseas arm of Ant Group- is expected to adopt USDC once Circle secures all necessary U.S. regulatory approvals. They are yet to announce a definitive timeline.

Regulatory Cross-Border Footprint.

The company is not only integrating USDC—it’s also pursuing stablecoin issuance licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg. The stablecoin law, which takes effect August 1, 2025, emphasizes full collateralization, AML compliance, and capital buffers, providing a robust foundation for Ant’s ambitions.

Furthermore, the company is also looking to support other digital currencies, including central bank digital currencies and tokenized bank deposits. These technologies now underpin a growing share of Ant’s global treasury and cross-border services.

Jack Ma Envisions Regulatory Complexity Challenges Ahead.

The company must sync compliance across the U.S., Hong Kong, EU, and other regions, each with unique AML/CFT rules. Also, a limited number of Hong Kong stablecoin licences will likely trigger competition from major players like JD.com and Circle itself.

Although the company suffered a major setback in launching its IPO, it later bounced back, processing over $1 trillion in global transactions last year, with roughly one-third handled on its blockchain.

Moreover, the company is also preparing to apply for stablecoin-related licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg as it aligns its operations with emerging regulatory regimes. Its international unit, which brought in nearly $3b in revenue in 2024, is now being positioned for a spinoff and eventual public listing. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates the IPO could value the unit at between $8b and $24b.

As regulators tighten their grip on stablecoins, Ant’s push to adopt USDC looks like a clever play to get ahead. With about $250b already in circulation, there’s a growing need for trusted names and smooth cross-border systems, and Ant seems keen to be one of them.

However, the company International’s push indicates a shift: moving from a Chinese domestic focus to global financial infrastructure ambitions. With offshore stablecoin licenses in the pipeline and USDC integration forging ahead, Ant positions itself as a worldwide digital payments backbone. The successful deployment could.