Hong Kong
A Global Hub for Innovation
Hong Kong has emerged as one of the world’s leading financial technology (fintech) hubs, combining a robust financial ecosystem with cutting-edge innovation. With its strategic location, strong regulatory framework, and thriving startup scene, the city is at the forefront of digital banking, blockchain, payments, and wealthtech.
Why Hong Kong for Fintech?
Hong Kong offers lots of advantages for international FinTech companies. Hong Kong has a strong business culture, a sound technological infrastructure, a huge network of customers, ample funding opportunities, strong government support, and a world-class talent pool.
✅ Regulatory Support: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) actively promote fintech through initiatives like the Fintech Supervisory Sandbox and Fast Track for virtual banks.
✅ Spaces: Hong Kong operates some of the largest FinTech and startup spaces in the world, e.g., Cyberport and Hong Kong Science Park.
✅ Global Connectivity: As Asia’s financial gateway, Hong Kong bridges Mainland China and international markets, making it ideal for cross-border fintech solutions.
✅ Investment & Talent: Strong venture capital interest and world-class universities foster a dynamic fintech talent pool.
Key Fintech Trends in Hong Kong
Digital Banking: Eight virtual banks now operate in Hong Kong, offering seamless, customer-centric services.
- ZA Bank, co-owned by Mainland Chinese online insurer ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance and Sinolink Group
- Airstar, backed by Mainland Chinese tech giant Xiaomi and AMTD Group
- WeLab Bank, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Fintech company WeLab
- Livi Bank, backed by Mainland Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com and Bank of China Hong Kong
- Fusion Bank, backed by the ICBC, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Tencent, and Hillhouse Capital
- Ant Bank, backed by Ant Group
- Ping An OneConnect Bank, a subsidiary of Ping An Insurance Company
- Mox Bank, backed by Standard Chartered and other companies
Blockchain & Crypto: Hong Kong is advancing as a regulated crypto hub, with clear guidelines for digital asset trading.
Payments & Insurtech: Mobile payments (like WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Octopus) dominate, while AI-driven insurtech solutions gain traction.
The Future of Fintech in Hong Kong
With government backing, a thriving startup ecosystem, and increasing adoption of AI and blockchain, Hong Kong is set to remain a global fintech leader.
Please find the most recent information on Hong Kong also in our Hong Kong FinTech Report, published in October 2023 in partnership with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong.
Do you want to expand your FinTech business to Asia’s world city?
We support you in getting off to a successful start:
- Researching the Hong Kong FinTech market
- Setting up and running a Hong Kong subsidiary on your behalf
- Advising you on funding and government support, e.g., the Global Fast Track Programme or the Cyberport Incubation Programme
- Introducing you to key decision-makers in Hong Kong’s FinTech community
- Finding the right location for your office in Hong Kong
- Supporting marketing and sales initiatives
- Identifying and facilitating pitching opportunities
- Evaluating and recommending accelerator & incubator programs
- Translating documents and marketing materials
- Advising you on legal and tax matters via our Hong Kong partner HKP
We support you in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Please download our most recent Hong Kong FinTech Report, published in October 2023 in partnership with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong. Registered users can download this report, as well as previous versions, directly from our Research Reports page. The reports are available free of charge.
Please also explore our new FinTech map, based on the advanced visualization technology of our partner Clara.