Hong Kong is gearing up to host the ninth edition of its flagship event, Hong Kong FinTech Week (HKFW), from October 28 to November 1, 2024. This year’s conference, themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech,” is designed to reinforce the city’s status as a premier global finance and fintech hub.
Organized by InvestHK and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and Insurance Authority (IA), HKFW is projected to attract over 30,000 attendees from more than 100 economies, underscoring its international reach and influence.
Set at the Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo from October 28-29, the main conference will spotlight fintech’s latest advancements, with a notable emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). Hong Kong’s rapid adoption of generative AI in finance has outpaced global standards, positioning the city as a key player in tech-enabled financial services.
Mainland China’s tech giants are expected to make a strong showing, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” linking markets across ASEAN and the Middle East. The event will feature eight themed forums covering topics such as AI, blockchain, digital assets, and green finance.
A key highlight will be the Global Fast Track programme, designed to provide fintech startups a platform to connect with potential investors and partners. This year’s programme attracted over 500 applications from 56 economies, culminating in live pitches that will showcase cutting-edge fintech solutions.
Beyond the core conference, HKFW 2024 will host a series of community events, including a tour of the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong’s first-ever Web3x3 basketball tournament. Set to launch on October 26-27 at Kwun Tong City Centre Free Space and Playground, with finals at AsiaWorld-Expo on October 29, the tournament will see finance, technology, and Web 3.0 professionals compete under FIBA 3×3 rules, with teams required to include at least one female player. Part of the entry fees will benefit InspiringHK, a charity dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s financial leadership remains undisputed. The city ranks third globally in the latest Global Financial Centres Index and first in the Asia Pacific region. In fintech, Hong Kong jumped five places to ninth, underscoring its position among the world’s top 10 fintech hubs. This achievement reflects the concerted efforts of the government, regulators, and industry players to advance the city’s fintech ecosystem.
“With its strategic location and robust financial infrastructure, Hong Kong is poised to lead the next wave of fintech innovation and serve as a ‘super connector’ for the global financial community,” said Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. “Hong Kong is primed to uncover new pathways to opportunities, leveraging its strengths as a global financial centre.”
Echoing Hui’s sentiment, Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, emphasized the city’s commitment to expanding its fintech ecosystem: “Hong Kong FinTech Week serves as a powerful engine to turn these ambitions into action. It is not just a platform to attract businesses to Hong Kong, but also a bridge to global opportunities. We will continue to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in financial services, innovation, and technology across key markets, including ASEAN and the Middle East.”
