JD.com, the $90 billion Chinese e-commerce giant, has revealed a stablecoin-driven strategy aimed at transforming global payments. The initiative focuses on cutting international transaction times from days to seconds while slashing fees by up to 90%, leveraging the company’s proprietary blockchain infrastructure.
Chairman Liu Qiangdong announced the plan at a public forum, presenting it as a way to simplify cross-border settlements using blockchain-based digital currencies tied to fiat. JD’s shares saw a brief rise to $33.90 following the announcement but later settled at $33.47.
JD tests stablecoin system through Hong Kong pilot
The payment initiative is currently being trialed through a pilot program in Hong Kong’s regulatory sandbox. JD’s fintech arm, Jingdong Coinlink Technology, is leading the test under the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The goal is to replace traditional banking networks with near-instant business-to-business payments settled directly using stablecoins.
Currently, cross-border B2B transactions often take between two and four days and involve several intermediaries. JD plans to use its Zhizhen Chain to process these transactions in under 10 seconds. The blockchain network already handles over $7 billion annually in supply chain finance.
Consumer use and global rollout in sight
Although the system is initially focused on B2B transactions, JD intends to integrate stablecoin payments into its broader e-commerce ecosystem. This includes enabling its nearly 600 million users to use digital currency for everyday purchases on the platform. With operations in 20 countries, JD also has the infrastructure to expand the payment system globally.
Analysts say JD may encourage merchants to adopt the stablecoin by offering incentives or implementing requirements on its platform. This move could accelerate usage and position the company as a leader in digital payments across Asia and beyond.
China’s tech giants compete in Stablecoin innovation
JD is one of several Chinese firms seeking to capitalize on stablecoin opportunities. Ant Group recently confirmed plans to apply for a stablecoin license in Hong Kong once the new regulations are in effect in August 2025. It is also pursuing licenses in Singapore and Luxembourg.
Hong Kong is now a center of regulated stablecoin development, with firms such as Standard Chartered and Tianxing Bank moving there. As the stablecoin infrastructure matures, international competition increases. According to analysts, the market is expected to grow from its present amount of 250 billion dollars almost to a 1 trillion dollar mark by 2030.