JD is igniting the next wave of crypto-driven payment innovation, right from ecommerce.
Global ambitions in stablecoin licensing
During a recent internal address, JD.COM founder Liu Qiangdong revealed that JD plans to apply for stablecoin licenses across all major currency regions. The goal: streamline B2B global payments with near-instant settlement (under 10 seconds) and slash cross-border costs by up to 90%, compared to the current 2–4 days timeline.
Stablecoins for retail: Hong Kong and Macau on deck
JD’s ecommerce platform serving Hong Kong and Macau is preparing to support stablecoin payments. The launch is expected in early Q4 2025, with the stablecoins initially pegged to HKD and other currencies. The company is currently testing key applications—cross-border transfers, retail payments, and investment scenarios—under a regulatory sandbox environment.
What this means for Web3 + ecommerce
JD’s move positions stablecoins as “new financial infrastructure” for Web3—aimed at reshaping large B2B transactions and mainstream retail flows with greater transparency via public blockchain issuance.
Hong Kong's regulatory momentum
This comes as HK readies to formalize its stablecoin framework in August 2025. JD joins other major players—such as Ant Group , Standard Chartered with Libeara , and Animoca Brands x HKT —in a race to secure licenses in what’s quickly becoming a key gateway for compliant stablecoin innovation.
What's Your Take?
- Will JD’s entry accelerate HK's evolution into a global Web3 payment hub?
- Could HKD‑pegged stablecoins spark a shift in Hong Kong’s retail payment habits—and nudge traditional banks to innovate?
- How might JD contribute to cross-border financial integration between Hong Kong and Mainland China, especially with RMB ambitions on the horizon?
