Hong Kong is seen as a testing ground for the digital economy and China’s global engagement, Standard Chartered (2888) chief executive Bill Winters said, citing the city's key role in the internationalisation of the yuan, China’s trade, and Belt and Road financing.
Winters told the Hong Kong Fintech week that China’s position as the world’s factory is likely to continue for some time, and highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts in developing stablecoins and other virtual assets as potential tools for international trade.
HSBC (0005) CEO Georges Elhedery described the city as a global fintech hub where innovation, capital, and regulation intersect.
Elhedery added that the group’s recent decision to privatise Hang Seng Bank (0011), involving more than HK$100 billion, reflects confidence in Hong Kong’s financial and technological prospects.
He also compared regional approaches to emerging technologies: the United States focuses on innovation and large-scale investment in generative AI and blockchain assets, Europe prioritises security and regulatory balance, while Asia, particularly mainland China and Hong Kong, emphasises efficiency and widespread adoption.
Elhedery said HSBC is actively involved in innovation in Hong Kong, including blockchain settlement, the digital Hong Kong dollar, and tokenised deposits, to advance cross-border payments and digitalised assets.
