Ant Group has had a tough few years dealing with regulators in its home market China.

But sources have told Reuters relief could be on the way as Beijing seeks to revive confidence among entrepreneurs.

They say Chinese regulators are likely to downgrade charges against the group.

The watchdogs may now also fine Ant just $728 million, well down on the more than $1 billion first planned.

An announcement is expected in the coming months.

Chinese authorities, including the People's Bank of China, have driven a revamp at Ant.

It started three years ago after its $37 billion IPO was called off.

Neither the People's Bank nor Ant immediately responded to a Reuters request for comment.

The fine could help the fintech giant, which began life as a unit of Alibaba, revive its plans for a market debut.

Any penalty would also be a step towards the end of China's tough crackdown on big tech firms.

That began when Ant's IPO was cancelled, and subsequently saw billions wiped off the market values of Chinese companies.

A smaller fine also potentially shows Beijing's softening tone towards the private sector.

But the sources warned the amount of the fine is still subject to change.