Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026 Set to Welcome 45,000 Participants from Over 120 Economies, Spotlighting a New Era of Development

Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 spotlights three core growth engines: Finance+, AI+, and global expansion

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 23) hosted a press conference and unveiled details of Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 (HKFW x SMUHK), which will take place from November 2 to 6. The event is expected to welcome more than 45 000 participants from over 120 economies, alongside more than 1 000 speakers, 800 exhibitors and start-ups, as well as over 30 Chinese Mainland and international delegations.

Marking the launch of both the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan), HKFW x SMUHK 2026 will highlight financial empowerment, tech innovation, and global expansion as key engines of sustainable business growth. HKFW x SMUHK is organised by the FSTB, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and InvestHK, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Insurance Authority (IA).

A global innovation platform powered by Finance+

As the Asia-Pacific region's leading financial centre and the world's top-ranked fintech hub in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, Hong Kong provides a strong foundation for advancing the "Finance+" vision. Backed by deep capital markets and global connectivity, the city is powered by a dual financial and technological engine: a robust financial ecosystem provides the capital needed to scale innovation, while technological advancement continues to transform financial services and unlock new sources of growth.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "In tandem with Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, which set out the blueprint for our city's future development, this year's Hong Kong FinTech Week carries the forward-looking theme 'Fintech Nexus: Bridging the World, Building the Future'. Our position at the forefront of global fintech is not merely rhetorical, but a proven reality on the world stage. As one of the top international financial centres globally and a leading force in Asia, Hong Kong continues to make confident strides in expanding its fintech capability." He added that the event will showcase how Hong Kong's fintech capability is boosting the city's development in gold and commodity markets, thus linking the international markets with Asia's liquidity.

AI+ and a thriving start-up ecosystem empowering innovation

As Hong Kong advances its "AI+" agenda for crossindustry AI deep integration, it stands as a global launch pad for innovators to commercialise and scale technology. Supported by a thriving ecosystem of over 5 200 startups and ongoing development of the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong opens new global growth pathways, while the worldtopping ShenzhenHong KongGuangzhou innovation cluster demonstrates how aligned research, talent, capital and industry drive innovation and business expansion.

Complementing HKFW x SMUHK 2026, the Global Fast Track programme will once again serve as a launch pad for high-growth start-ups and scale-ups seeking to accelerate commercialisation and international expansion. This year's programme has already attracted more than 700 applications from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, wider Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.

Going global driven by financial empowerment and tech innovation

As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, Hong Kong serves as a trusted launch pad for international expansion. Retaining first place in the Asian Cities Internationality Index 2026, the city combines global connectivity, international business networks and market access, enabling companies to forge global partnerships and expand internationally.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "As HKFW x SMUHK enters its second decade, Hong Kong begins a new chapter with its First Five-Year Plan, unveiled alongside the 2026 Policy Address. This year's three engines - "Finance+", "AI+" and global expansion - reflect the city's strategic priorities: driving innovation and economic development, transforming industries, and enabling multi-market growth. Hong Kong connects these forces, and this year's event will bring together global innovators, investors and enterprises to scale internationally and seize new opportunities through our city."

As Hong Kong cements its status as Asia's premier hub for two-way investment, this year's event will welcome over 30 delegations from the Chinese Mainland, including those from Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, alongside delegations from North America, Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Central Asia, and other emerging markets. Their vote of confidence reinforces Hong Kong's standing as Asia's premier platform for companies seeking global expansion.

Global visionaries set to take the stage

The HKFW x SMUHK 2026 main conference will specifically take place on November 2 and 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will feature 10 dedicated forums, including the Policy and Visionary Forum, AI & DeepTech Forum, Digital Assets and Web3 Forum, AI in Finance Forum, China-Global Innovation Forum, InsurTech and HealthTech Forum, GreenTech Forum, Founder and Startup Venture Forum, Tech Builder Forum, and Creator Forum. Esteemed speakers at the main conference include:

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and regulators:

• The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee;

• The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan;

• The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui;

• The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau;

• The Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan;

• The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong;

• The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong;

• The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue;

• The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung;

• The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung; and

• The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau.

Global policy leaders:

• The Former General Manager of Bank for International Settlements, Mr Agustín Carstens;

• The Chair of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, Mr Ashley Alder;

• The Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations; First Deputy Chairman of the Management Council of the Tamchy Special Financial and Investment Territory, Mr Ayaz Baetov;

• The Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Mr Bilal Bin Saqib;

• The First Deputy Governor of the Banque de France, Mr Denis Beau; and

• The Ambassador of Monaco to China, Ms Marie-Pascale Boisson.

Industry leaders:

• The Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Alger Fung;

• The Founding and Managing Partner of BAI Capital, Ms Annabelle Long;

• The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, Mr Bill Winters;

• The Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence Systems of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Cao Liangliang;

• The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Onafriq, Mr Daré Okoudjou;

• The Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Primavera Capital Group, Dr Fred Hu;

• The Group Chief Executive of HSBC, Mr Georges Elhedery;

• The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pony.ai, Mr James Peng;

• The Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson;

• The Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Lam;

• The Professor of Southern University of Science and Technology, Professor Ma Zhaoyuan;

• The Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Vanessa Lau;and

• The Vice Chairman and President of the Bank of China, Mr Zhang Hui.

Extending beyond the conference, participants will also have opportunities to take part in networking, business matching and community events across Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). A key highlight of this year's programme is the two-day GBA Immersive Executive Tour to Shenzhen, offering first-hand access to one of the world's most dynamic innovation ecosystems.

For more event information, please visit www.fintechweek.hk and follow via official social media accounts:

• LinkedIn: Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK; and

• YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/HongKongFinTechWeek.

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows (from left) Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr King Leung; the Head of InsurTech, Policy and Legislation of the Insurance Authority, Ms Jessica Yeung; the Chief Fintech Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr George Chou; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Director of Intermediaries and Head of the Fintech Unit of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Elizabeth Wong; the Group Chief Technology Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr John Hsu; and the Acting Head of Startups of InvestHK, Mr Lu Chin-yung, at today's press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026. Photo shows (front row, from second left) the Head of InsurTech, Policy and Legislation of the Insurance Authority, Ms Jessica Yeung; the Chief Fintech Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr George Chou; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Director of Intermediaries and Head of the Fintech Unit of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Elizabeth Wong; the Group Chief Technology Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr John Hsu; and (back row, from left) the Senior Advisor of Ant Digital Technologies Ms Jennifer Tan; the Executive Director and the Head of Strategic Business of ChinaAMC (HK), Ms Katie He; the Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citibank HK, Ms Sarah O; the Chief Digital Officer of Personal Banking & Wealth Management of Bank of China (HK), Mr Daniel Li; the Group Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships of HSBC, Mr Bojan Obradović; the Head of Coverage Banking, Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia, Corporate & Investment Banking of Standard Chartered, Ms Doris Wong; the Managing Partner of Hong Kong Financial Services of Deloitte, Mr David Wu; the Chief Compliance Officer of EleBank, Ms Abby Tam; and the Head of Digital Finance Business Department of WeBank and the Head of Cross-border Technology Services of WeBank Technology Services, Mr Dave Fan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, speaking at the press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, speaking at the press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on winning six more medals today in Asian Para Games

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 23) extended her congratulations to swimming athlete Chan Yui-lam on winning a silver medal in Women's 200m Individual Medley SM14; table tennis athletes Chiu Kan-shan and Wong Yue-ching on winning a silver medal in Women's doubles - Class WD14; and table tennis athletes Ng Mui-wui and Wong Ting-ting on winning a silver medal in Women's doubles - Class WD22 at the 5th Asian Para Games.

Miss Law also congratulated fencing athlete Yu Chui-yee on winning a bronze medal in Women's Sabre Category A; table tennis athletes Ho Ka-sing and Wong Chi-yin on winning a bronze medal in Men's doubles - Class MD18; and table tennis athletes Wan Wai-lok and Yuen King-shing on winning a bronze medal in Men's Doubles - Class MD22.

Miss Law said, "The Hong Kong, China delegation secured six more medals today. Following her success in the butterfly, backstroke, and relay events, Chan Yui-lam secured a silver medal in the individual medley, demonstrating her all-around prowess. The table tennis team also achieved another milestone, where Chiu Kan-shan, Wong Yue-ching, Ng Mui-wui, Wong Ting-ting, Ho Ka-sing, Wong Chi-yin, Wan Wai-lok and Yuen King-shing collectively won two silver and two bronze medals in the doubles events. Including competitions held in the previous days, the table tennis team has now won a total of 15 medals - five silver and 10 bronze - a truly gratifying achievement. Meanwhile, Yu Chui-yee continued her excellent form, clinching another bronze medal with an outstanding performance. Tomorrow (October 24) marks the final day of the Asian Para Games. Our fencing and boccia athletes will continue to give their all. Let’s join together to cheer them on!"

The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won 36 medals, namely two gold, 13 silver and 21 bronze medals, at the Asian Para Games. The newly added six medals are as follows:

Silver medals

---------------

Swimming: Women's 200m Individual Medley SM14

Chan Yui-lam

Table Tennis: Women's doubles - Class WD14

Chiu Kan-shan, Wong Yue-ching

Table Tennis: Women's doubles - Class WD22

Ng Mui-wui, Wong Ting-ting

Bronze medals

---------------

Fencing: Women's Sabre Category A

Yu Chui-yee

Table Tennis: Men's doubles - Class MD18

Ho Ka-sing, Wong Chi-yin

Table Tennis: Men's Doubles - Class MD22

Wan Wai-lok, Yuen King-shing