FinTech giant Ant Group is preparing to integrate the USDC stablecoin into its international blockchain platform to optimize cross-border settlements and treasury operations.
Ant International, the global division of one of the world’s largest financial companies Ant Group, plans to add USDC by Circle to its Whale blockchain platform after the asset receives full regulatory approval in the United States. This was reported by Bloomberg citing internal sources.
The report states that the decision to add the asset comes amid growing institutional interest in stablecoins following the U.S. Senate’s June approval of a bill regulating U.S. dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies. Bloomberg sources say this move is seen as a strategic opportunity for Ant Group to grow in the tokenized settlement segment and to enhance the attractiveness of the FinTech giant’s infrastructure for international clients.
Circle Internet Group’s asset was chosen following a successful IPO held a month earlier, the company’s shares rose more than 500%.
The USDC integration reflects Ant International’s strategy to implement regulated digital assets, including CBDCs and tokenized deposits, into the company’s blockchain platform, which already handles treasury operations and cross-border payments. In 2024, Ant Group processed transactions totaling over $1 trillion, with one-third of operations conducted via the Whale blockchain platform.
Additionally, it was revealed that Ant International plans to apply for stablecoin issuances in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg to strengthen its global presence. In 2024, the company generated nearly $3 billion in revenue.
Ant Group already collaborates with more than ten global banks, including HSBC , Deutsche Bank , BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase, and Standard Chartered, integrating tokenized bank assets into its blockchain system. The company is also negotiating with the People’s Bank of China on issuing yuan-pegged stablecoins and is working with Revolut to launch an instant transfers service.
