Animoca Brands’ Wild Ride: IPO, Crypto, and Trump-What Could Go Wrong?

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In a move that’s bound to send shivers down the spine of any investor who’s been sleeping on crypto for the past decade, Animoca Brands, the Hong Kong-based crypto titan, has announced its grand plans to take the US by storm with an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The big twist? It’s going to be a reverse merger with a fintech company called Currenc Group. Yes, you read that right-an AI-heavy fintech company. Because why not?

Animoca Brands: Back From the Dead

Mark your calendars, folks! The deal is expected to close in 2026. At that point, the good people holding Animoca Brands’ shares will find themselves clutching approximately 95% of the new company’s shares. Hold on tight, this could be an emotional rollercoaster-or a straight-up crypto moonshot.

Big names like Kingsway Capital, 50T Funds, and SoftBank are on board with Animoca. Yat Siu, the executive chairman, shared these nuggets of wisdom with Bloomberg recently. If these guys are in, it must be something serious. Or maybe just serious enough to make you wonder if you missed the crypto boat.

This isn’t Animoca’s first rodeo with public markets. Oh no, no-after getting unceremoniously kicked off the Australian Securities Exchange (ASE) in 2020 (because, apparently, crypto and stock exchanges don’t mix well), Animoca’s ready to show the world that it’s back. And, like a bad penny, it’s making its way back to the US. Circle, USDC’s big player, is already setting the pace for others to follow, especially with President Trump waving the flag for digital assets. Yes, that Trump. Apparently, his support in 2025 is worth more than a thousand tweets.

Animoca’s portfolio, like a buffet you can never finish, is stuffed with tokens and equity stakes in over 600 crypto companies. And that’s not all, they’ve got stakes in some major players like Kraken and ConsenSys, who are also looking at public offerings. And let’s not forget Siu’s little gem of a statement: “We consider ourselves basically a levered bet on altcoins.” You don’t say, Yat. You don’t say. 🔮

New York Office and More Drama

Now, for the real plot twist: the merger hinges on regulatory approvals in both the US and Australia, where Animoca is currently registered. A minor detail, right? They also need to cough up audited financial statements for past years, because who doesn’t love a little accounting drama?

Speaking of drama, Siu was quick to assure everyone that Animoca is, in fact, profitable, but has yet to release the juicy financial results for this fiscal year. Could it be a cliffhanger, or are they just keeping the suspense alive?

The deal’s not done yet, folks. It’s in the exclusive “we’re too busy finalizing stuff” phase. The two companies are now in a three-month period of exclusivity, probably sitting in a room with an air of tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

With over 700 employees, Animoca is ready to set up shop in New York City. And why not? After all, Trump’s crypto love affair might just be the key to unlocking the magic they need. “Do I need to say Trump?” Siu cheekily asked, proving that even in the world of finance, sarcasm can still find a seat at the table.

But wait, there’s more! A potential dual listing in Hong Kong is on the cards. After all, Asia still matters. Who wouldn’t want to cover all their bases? 🌍

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2025-11-04 12:24