Key Points
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Animoca Brands plans to expand stablecoin and RWA tokenization projects in 2026.
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The company prepares for a Nasdaq IPO through a reverse merger with Currenc Group.
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Partnerships with Standard Chartered and Fosun aim to build a stronger Web3 presence.
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Animoca remains committed to gaming ventures like The Sandbox and EDU Chain.
Animoca Brands is shifting focus toward stablecoin and RWA tokenization as it prepares for a U.S. listing on Nasdaq.
The company plans a major expansion in 2026, combining its Web3 roots with real-world financial innovation.
Chief Strategy Officer Keyvan Peymani confirmed in an interview with CNBC that Animoca will prioritize these two areas. He described stablecoins and RWA initiatives as the company’s next growth engines, marking a strategic shift from its early focus on gaming.
Stablecoin ambitions backed by major institutions
In August, Animoca Brands formed a joint venture in Hong Kong with Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecommunications. Named Anchorpoint Financial, the venture plans to apply for a stablecoin issuer license from local regulators. The move shows Animoca’s intention to align with regulatory standards while expanding its financial ecosystem.
According to Peymani, the stablecoin initiative will play a vital role in building trust and utility for users. It also positions Animoca within Asia’s growing market for licensed digital assets. Stablecoins could bridge traditional finance and blockchain economies, offering both stability and liquidity.
RWA tokenization gains traction
Alongside its stablecoin push, Animoca Brands is moving deeper into RWA tokenization. It partnered with Fosun Wealth and FinChain to bring tokenized assets from Asia’s traditional financial sector to global investors. The collaboration aims to create new investment opportunities by transforming tangible assets, such as real estate or funds, into blockchain-based tokens.
Earlier this month, the company expanded this approach by partnering with Nasdaq-listed asset manager Hang Feng Technology Innovation Co. The goal is to build an RWA tokenization ecosystem that increases liquidity and transparency. “Together, we will make institutional-grade assets much more liquid and accessible,” said Animoca Brands Group President Evan Auyang.
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Preparing for Nasdaq IPO through reverse merger
Animoca Brands is also moving forward with plans to list on the Nasdaq. The company intends to achieve this through a reverse merger with Singapore-based fintech and AI firm Currenc Group. If completed, Animoca would own the majority of Currenc and assume its Nasdaq listing.
This step would give U.S. investors direct exposure to Animoca’s extensive portfolio of blockchain, Web3, and gaming projects. Peymani described the move as a way to broaden investor access to the fast-growing Web3 sector while reducing risk exposure to single tokens.
He added that Animoca aims to become a gateway for both institutional and retail investors seeking diversified exposure to the blockchain economy. By entering the U.S. market, the company joins a growing list of crypto firms that have gone public, including Coinbase, Circle, Bullish, and Exodus.
Staying true to gaming roots in the Web3 space
While Animoca Brands is shifting focus toward financial innovation, it remains loyal to its gaming heritage. Projects like The Sandbox, Moca ID, Anichess, and EDU Chain will continue to be developed internally. The company sees gaming as the entry point for millions of users into the Web3 space.
Peymani noted that the company is still “very bullish” on the role of gaming in Web3 adoption. He believes that players deserve to own assets that persist beyond the games they invest time and money in. From his standpoint, gaming and tokenized economies will coexist to create a more participatory digital experience.
As I see it, this dual strategy—combining regulated financial products with entertainment-based ecosystems—positions Animoca to lead the next phase of blockchain adoption. The company’s pivot reflects a mature understanding of where the crypto industry is heading: toward tangible, regulated, and utility-driven solutions.
Animoca Brands is shifting focus toward long-term stability
With these changes, Animoca Brands is aligning its operations with both institutional finance and retail markets. Its stablecoin and RWA efforts may provide new liquidity channels, while the Nasdaq IPO opens access to global capital.
The company’s plan to balance financial products with Web3 gaming shows a commitment to sustainable growth. By 2026, Animoca Brands could stand as one of the first major blockchain firms to successfully integrate tokenized finance with digital entertainment, bridging real and virtual economies in a practical way.