HKMA unveils Fintech Promotion Blueprint: From adoption to advancement
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (February 3) a Fintech Promotion Blueprint to foster responsible innovation and fintech advancement.
Under "Fintech 2030" (Note 1), this tactical Blueprint focuses on more sophisticated applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed ledger technologies (DLT), enabled by the infrastructural support of High-Performance Computing. With Data Excellence and Cyber Resilience being the foundational pillars, the Blueprint aims to further strengthen the banking sector's ability to better manage risks associated with advanced technologies.
The Blueprint sets out a cohesive framework of initiatives structured around tactical dimensions of Ecosystem Collaboration, Technological Advancement, as well as Talent and Outreach. In the coming months, the HKMA will launch four flagship projects, including:
- Quantum Preparedness Index: Recognising Quantum Computing's far-reaching implications for the financial industry which relies on secure encryption technologies, the HKMA will develop a Quantum Preparedness Index to assess the readiness of the banking sector for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). The Index will not only offer a comprehensive current-state analysis, but also serve as a measurable target for the next few years and guide the HKMA's efforts to provide practical support throughout the PQC transition journey.
- New Risk Data Strategy: To unlock the full potential of advanced AIand DLT applications, the HKMA will implement a New Risk Data Strategy designed to enhance the data management capabilities of banks.With more robust data governance frameworks and sophisticated data infrastructure, banks will be able to more effectively leverage complex structured and unstructured data (Note 2)for advanced analytics, navigating the dynamic risk landscape.These capabilities will also support the expansion of the HKMA's Granular Data Reporting initiative, strengthening the agility of risk management and banking supervision.
- Fintech Cybersecurity Baseline: The HKMA will work with industry experts to establish a new, standardised, industry-led Fintech Cybersecurity Baseline for fintech solution providers, focusing on specific novel applications of AIand DLT. The baseline seeks to provide clear cybersecurity guidance for fintech solution providers partnering with banks, thereby strengthening trust and resilience throughout the ecosystem, and improving the efficiency of the due diligence process conducted by financial institutions when onboarding fintech partners.
- Competency development support: The HKMA will work with the industry to provide practical guidance to enhance the skills of general fintech users, complementing existing competency support efforts.With a focus on "human-machine interaction" capability, the initiative aims to establish a clear view of the skills required for the advanced applications of AIand DLT in the next generation of financial products and services.
The Blueprint also introduces a series of activities to address the key challenges to further fintech advancements, as identified in the Tech Maturity Stock-take (Note 3). These initiatives include FiNETech events, responsible innovation competitions, a revamp of the Fintech Connect matching platform and practical workshops.
Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuensaid, "The future of finance will be defined by those who can harness sophisticated technology, not only to improve existing processes, but to reimagine what is possible. By embracing responsible innovation, strengthening cross-boundary collaboration, and investing in talent development, the Blueprint provides the tactical guidance we need to build a resilient and forward-looking Fintech ecosystem - one that balances the rapid evolution of both risk and opportunity."
The full report of the Blueprint is available on the HKMA website.
Note 1: The HKMA Unveils "Fintech 2030" at the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025
www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/11/20251103-3/
Note 2: Structured data such as transaction records and credit scores, as well as unstructured data such as email correspondence and business contracts.
Note 3: Fintech Adoption: Progress and Future Directions
brdr.hkma.gov.hk/eng/doc-ldg/docId/getPdf/20250716-3-EN/20250716-3-EN.pdf
HKMA, Photo source: reference image
