For years, China has promoted Shanghai and Hong Kong as twin engines for its financial sector: Shanghai as the mainland’s financial hub, and Hong Kong as the global-facing gateway with connections to neighbouring and international markets. But in the world of digital assets, these twin engines are increasingly running on different fuels. While Beijing has always clamped down hard on cryptocurrency trading and mining, confusion on its stance does arise. In fact, just this past week, unverified yet widely circulated rumours of a new China Bitcoin ban surfaced online, allegedly stemming from a Binance report, though unconfirmed, according to Cointelegraph.…

A recent Worldpay report indicated that the digital wallets Hong Kong has could dominate its payment landscape by 2030. It is, in fact, expected to account for 45% of all online transaction value and 48% of in-store payments. But for those tracking Hong Kong’s digital finance, this isn’t surprising. The more interesting story lies beneath the surface: how local behaviours, infrastructure plays, and regulatory signals are shaping a uniquely Hong Kong path to cashless dominance, and how that future is arriving faster than most people realise. Digital Wallets Set to Dominate by 2030 Hong Kong’s cashless growth underscores one significant…

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced the launch of the 2025 Green Fintech Competition on 9 May 2025. It is co-hosted with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers. The competition is supported by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Invest Hong Kong. Following the success of the first event in 2023 and considering recent market changes, the HKMA green fintech competition in 2025 focuses on five key themes. These themes outline how the banking and financial sectors can harness the potential of green…

Hong Kong’s fintech landscape has evolved into a dynamic force in Asia, driven by regulatory innovation, technological advancements, and a maturing digital finance ecosystem. Over the past decade, the city has transformed into a thriving fintech hub, balancing its deep financial heritage with cutting-edge digital solutions. At the heart of this evolution are the top fintech unicorns in Hong Kong. Startups valued at over $1 billion, which are redefining financial services and reinforcing the city’s position as a global fintech leader. Unlike other major fintech hubs, Hong Kong’s unicorns operate in a uniquely regulated yet innovation-friendly environment, leveraging initiatives such…

Hong Kong offers one of Asia’s most structured and secure environments for cryptocurrency trading. Unlike unregulated markets, the city operates under a clear licensing framework, ensuring crypto investor protection without stifling innovation. Regardless of your crypto trading capabilities, understanding how to navigate Hong Kong’s regulated exchanges first is key to safely purchasing your digital assets here. This guide explains the processes you need to know, from choosing a licensed platform to securing your holdings, so you can trade confidently. What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency secured through cryptography and powered by blockchain technology. First…

In 2025, fraud prevention strategies are non-negotiable. It’s a battle for trust. With cybercrime evolving at breakneck speed and scams becoming more sophisticated, businesses must innovate faster to safeguard their customers and reputations. In Hong Kong, initiatives like “Money Safe” reflect the escalating measures by governments and central banks to combat fraud, but the private sector must play a central role in staying one step ahead. LexisNexis’ infographic Key Trends Shaping the Fraud and Identity Landscape highlights the critical challenges businesses still face and need to address in adapting to overall fraud management. Rebuilding Consumer Confidence in a World of…

As Hong Kong enters 2025, its fintech sector is set for significant growth and transformation. But will the journey be smooth? Discover the latest Hong Kong fintech trends, including the city’s strategic initiatives, regulatory developments, and technological advancements, all contributing to the creation of a dynamic ecosystem that aims to solidify Hong Kong’s position as a leading global fintech hub. 1. Digital Banks Aim for Profitability Hong Kong’s virtual banks are making steady progress towards profitability, with some already achieving this milestone. ZA Bank and WeLab Bank both recently announced that they have reached double-digit and breakeven growth, respectively, demonstrating…

Hong Kong Web 3.0 is emerging as a global powerhouse. With its strategic efforts to regulate stablecoins, pilot the e-HKD (electronic Hong Kong dollar), and foster blockchain-driven cross-border collaborations, the city is paving the way for a digital-first future that is transforming its financial landscape. Bridging Global Markets with Blockchain Innovation Crypto custody regulation in Hong Kong is witnessed in Project Ensemble, a collaboration between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the central banks of Brazil and Thailand. The project has been exploring how blockchain-based tokenization can facilitate seamless, efficient international payments. It has enabled banks and companies to…

Step aside traditional finance—robo-advisors are revolutionising how Hong Kong manages money. These AI-powered platforms turn investment from an intimidating game of suits and jargon into a sleek, user-friendly experience. This guide dives into the top players in Hong Kong, showcasing their standout features, costs, and how they cater to every investor type. Top Robo-Advisors in Hong Kong to Watch These robo-advisors leverage AI and big data to provide personalised strategies, optimise allocations, and adapt to market changes in real time. 1. StashAway StashAway , which entered the Hong Kong market in 2021, offers AI-driven portfolios optimised for cross-border investments, with…