Ant Group, owner of the popular Alipay platform, has filed a trademark application for ‘ANTCOIN’ in Hong Kong. This move signals the company’s strategic preparation for entering the world of virtual currencies and stablecoins, according to local reports. While Ant Group hasn’t yet announced any specific token or coin release, the trademark filing suggests an early step towards building legal groundwork for future projects. This trademark covers a range of services including digital payment platforms, blockchain platforms, and even potentially new cryptocurrency-based offerings. The move aligns with Hong Kong’s recent introduction of stablecoin regulations, requiring local and international firms to secure licenses before issuing fiat-backed stablecoins in the region.