【ZA Bank】Driving Innovation: How Fintech Can Power Hong Kong's Transformation

The 2025 Policy Address was released yesterday, outlining a strong push to integrate innovation and technology with finance. Key initiatives span AI, Web3, cross-boundary financial collaboration in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and digital trade. At ZA Bank, we welcome these forward-looking policies. They not only align with global innovation trends but also accelerate the building of a smarter, more competitive financial ecosystem in Hong Kong.

 

 

AI: From Experimentation to Core Industry Driver

 

AI was a clear highlight in this year’s Policy Address. The government's "application-led” and “safety-first” approach is closely aligned with the real needs of the industry. At ZA Bank, we believe AI is more than an efficiency tool, it’s a powerful enabler for financial inclusion, smarter risk management and enhanced customer experience. As Gen-AI matures, we see growing potential in areas like wealth management, credit scoring and intelligent customer service. That said, establishing a sound regulatory framework will be essential. Ensuring AI is safe, transparent and fair will be key to building trust in AI-powered financial services, and in Hong Kong’s leadership in this space.

 

 

Web3 and Tokenisation: Building the Next-Gen Financial Infrastructure

 

The continued development of tokenised deposits and real-world asset tokenisation signals a pragmatic and committed approach to Web3 finance. Hong Kong is clearly moving beyond exploration, entering a new phase of application and regulation. Tokenised assets can improve transparency, boost transaction efficiency, and even reshape the structure of capital markets. With the right regulatory sandbox in place, Hong Kong has the potential to become Asia’s most attractive testbed for Web3 financial innovation.

 

 

GBA: From Cross-Boundary Payments to Data Connectivity

 

We welcome the government's plans to enhance cross-boundary credit data referencing and to develop a Shenzhen–Hong Kong data verification platform. These efforts lay the groundwork for more seamless and secure financial connectivity across the GBA. Practical applications like enabling elderly Hongkongers living in the Mainland to receive government subsidies via Payment Connect show a people-first approach with real impact. These initiatives also present exciting opportunities for fintech players to innovate. Looking ahead, we believe that enabling smoother data flows, from identity verification to credit scoring and risk controls, will unlock deeper and more inclusive cross-border financial services.

 

 

Smarter Finance to Help SMEs Go Further

 

The Policy Address also introduces timely support for SMEs, from extending the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and principal moratoriums, to enhancing export credit and e-commerce support. These aren’t just relief measures; they’re strategic moves to help businesses navigate transformation. Equally important is the government’s push to digitise trade and explore tokenised e-bills of lading. This is more than a tech upgrade; it’s a meaningful step towards faster, simpler, and more transparent access to financing, with the potential to reshape supply chain finance. As more mainland enterprises expand globally and establish treasury centres in Hong Kong, the city is positioning itself as a regional digital finance hub. At ZA Bank, we believe SMEs don’t need more complexity; they need smarter, more flexible solutions. Our aim is to use technology to bridge the gap between capital and opportunity and grow with the businesses we serve.

 

 

Conclusion: When Policy and Industry Move in Sync

 

AI, Web3, GBA integration, and SME empowerment are not isolated initiatives; they are forming the four key engines of Hong Kong’s fintech-driven transformation. This is no longer about pilot projects or one-off innovations. It’s about building a connected, collaborative ecosystem for the future. As Hong Kong’s first and largest digital bank, ZA Bank is committed to turning policy direction into practical innovation. For us, fintech isn’t just about better features; it’s about reimagining the experience. We look forward to working closely with regulators and industry partners to help position Hong Kong at the forefront of global fintech.