The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has officially launched the IADS Developer Platform in partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).
This platform facilitates collaboration between banks and technology firms, allowing them to develop data-driven banking products and services using secure, customer-consented data.
The platform is part of the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative, which was introduced to establish a framework for the secure sharing of bank account information between banks.
The programme has established rules and standards that govern this process, ensuring secure and efficient data-sharing.
The initiative, which includes 28 participating banks, enables the sharing of deposit account data such as account availability, balances, transaction records, and account status across retail, corporate, and SME segments, subject to customer consent.
To ensure customer privacy, banks must obtain explicit consent from individuals before any data is shared.
This data-sharing aims to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen risk management, and improve the customer experience by streamlining processes such as loan applications and providing consolidated account views across multiple banks.
Customers can manage or revoke their consent at any time through their internet banking platforms, though the process may vary across different banks.
The IADS Showroom Day also highlighted practical applications of the system, including faster loan processing and enhanced financial insights for customers.
The platform provides a simulated environment using testing account data and APIs from participating banks, encouraging the development of innovative solutions within the banking industry.
Further information on IADS and the participating banks are available here.
Featured image: Howard Lee, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (middle); Marina Tong, Chairperson of Fintech Committee of the Hong Kong Association of Banks (right); and Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (left), inaugurate the official Chinese name for the IADS initiative and the IADS Developer Platform.