Deloitte announced that the Asia Pacific Blockchain Lab (the “Lab”) has officially opened in Hong Kong.

In addition to formulating strategies, the Lab will implement and deploy Distributed Ledger Technology (“DLT”) for corporate clients across the region. DLT is used in a number of ways, including digital identity, digital banking, cross-border payments, trade finance and loyalty and rewards solutions.

Hong Kong was chosen as the location for the regional Lab as it is a mature financial centre and trading hub, with demand for eco-system enablement through DLT. Hong Kong also has a supportive regulatory environment and a talented international workforce.

“Our Asia Pacific Blockchain Lab in Hong Kong is our third global blockchain lab, joining two others that are located in Dublin and New York. These underpin our global network of digital, fintech and blockchain centers, which support clients with their digital innovation programs.

The Asia-Pacific region is a forward-looking, energetic geography and Hong Kong is one of the key markets for innovation and digital transformation. It will be exciting to see the team work with our clients in helping them accelerate their path to the future,”

said Joe Guastella, Deloitte Global Consulting Leader, Financial Services.

The opening of the Lab builds on the recent success of Deloitte’s collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and five leading banks in Hong Kong, driving the adoption of DLT within the trade finance eco-system.

Other examples of Deloitte’s successful DLT implementation include helping insurance clients establish bancassurance channels through high-speed partner on-boarding, as well as assisting banks in detecting duplicated financing.

The Lab is located at WeWork, which facilitates inspiration and cooperation among technology entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups by providing shared workspace and office services.

In collaboration with this community, Deloitte will conduct client workshops, create thought leadership, develop prototypes, provide production support and deliver innovative ideas and solutions for deployed Blockchain networks in the financial services industry.

“The grand opening of our Asia Pacific Blockchain Lab in Hong Kong is a strong demonstration of our commitment to blockchain in the region and adds to our global blockchain network. Blockchain is disrupting, changing and improving transaction platforms and ecosystems, and our clients are at the center of this transformation.

With a dedicated space, our unique business and technology expertise, as well as our growing ecosystem, we are now in a position to build the next generation of blockchain-based business platforms in this very innovative part of the world,”

said Eric Piscini, Deloitte Global Blockchain Leader.

Deloitte’s Blockchain team — comprised of more than 800 professionals across 20 countries — works with international organizations looking to roll out Blockchain-enabled solutions.

Deloitte has developed more than 30 Blockchain-related prototypes, covering a multitude of uses such as digital identity, digital banking, cross-border payments, trade finance and loyalty and rewards solutions, as well as distinct efforts for investment management and insurance sectors.

Article first appeared in similiar form on deloitte.com

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