Standard Chartered Launches Blockchain-Based Tokenised Deposits Solution

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“SCBHK”)  today announced that, under the Supervisory Incubator for Distributed Ledger Technology and  Project Ensemble launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”), the Bank has  successfully tokenised HKD, CNH and USD accounts of Ant International on the latter’s  blockchain-based, real-time treasury management platform – the Whale platform, following the  completion of HKD-denominated blockchain test settlement for Ant International last year. 

The solution co-created by SCBHK and Ant International allows Ant International’s entities to  accelerate their shift to superior, future-proof treasury management and real-time 24/7 movement  of value in HKD, CNH and USD through tokenisation. Ant International is the first client of SCBHK  to adopt the solution. Both companies are members of the EnsembleTX established by the HKMA,  that aims to accelerate the adoption of tokenisation in Hong Kong.  

Mahesh Kini, Global Head of Cash Management, Standard Chartered, said, “As corporates  and institutions increasingly rely on ‘just in time’ liquidity, demand for real time and 24/7 treasury  management is rapidly accelerating. Driven by a shared vision of shaping the future of cash management, we are pleased to partner with Ant international from the conceptualisation to the  commercial launch of this solution. This is part of our continued efforts to continuously innovate  our solutions and offer our clients seamless and safe access to blockchain-based cash  management and investment solutions.” 

Anthony Lin, Head of Transaction Banking, Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia,  Standard Chartered, added, “This marks another milestone in Standard Chartered’s tokenisation  journey. The integration of Ant International’s bank accounts and tokenised deposits ensure  seamless and near real-time flow of liquidity between the client’s various entities and leading to  massive enhancements in the management of Ant International’s treasury and working capital.  We expect the success of this solution would encourage more global businesses to explore the  benefits of tokenised deposits, too, while contributing to the development of the market of tokenised assets in Hong Kong.”

Kelvin Li, General Manager of Platform Tech, Ant International, said, “We are delighted to  continue partnering with Standard Chartered on innovations in tokenised deposits that serve the  cross-border payment needs of businesses of all sizes. By combining Standard Chartered’s deep  banking capabilities with Ant International’s expertise in tokenisation and global payments, the  new solution enhances our liquidity management by providing seamless and secure access to the  working capital needs of our businesses globally.” 

Since May 2024, SCBHK has been participating in Project Ensemble as a member of its  Architecture Community to jointly develop industry standards and assist in the design and  implementation of the Sandbox, which tests use cases for tokenisation. Ant International also  participated in the Sandbox and developed two use cases using its Whale platform. Ant  International has also become a member of the Project Ensemble Architecture Community since  November 2025.