JD.com trademarking JCOIN and JOYCOIN signals its stablecoin ambitions within Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework.
Chinese tech giant JD.com has taken a bold step into the digital currency space, quietly registering two stablecoin-related trademarks, “JCOIN” and “JOYCOIN,” with Hong Kong authorities. The move signals growing corporate interest in digital finance just as the city ramps up its regulatory framework for stablecoins.
According to public trademark filings, JD Technology, the fintech arm of JD.com, filed both trademark applications in July. These names, JCOIN and JOYCOIN have been registered under categories related to digital currencies, virtual payment systems, and blockchain technologies. Though the company has not officially commented on any stablecoin project, the filings come at a time when Hong Kong is actively laying the groundwork for a licensed stablecoin ecosystem.
Earlier this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued detailed guidelines for firms seeking to issue fiat-backed stablecoins, emphasizing full reserve backing, transparent governance, and operational safeguards. So far, no firm has received a license under the new regime, but the applications are now open, and JD.com appears to be positioning itself early.
The names “JCOIN” and “JOYCOIN” are reminiscent of stablecoins already in circulation and suggest potential future plans to issue corporate digital tokens tied to the Chinese yuan or the Hong Kong dollar. While it’s still too early to tell whether JD.com will actually launch a stablecoin, the trademark activity hints that something is brewing behind the scenes.
The move echoes similar ambitions by other Chinese tech players. Alibaba’s Ant Group and Tencent’s WeBank have both been exploring blockchain-based financial products and infrastructure. As the mainland tightens control over crypto activity, Hong Kong is emerging as a more favorable base for fintech experimentation, particularly in regulated digital assets like stablecoins.
With Hong Kong aiming to become a global hub for compliant crypto finance, JD.com’s proactive step may give it an edge if stablecoins become part of future cross-border e-commerce and settlement tools.
