HKMA Launches Inaugural FiNETech


On Apr. 26, HKMA launched cross-industry platform for fintech.


  • HKMA launched the FiNETech series, gathering around 100 banks, securities and insurance companies, technology firms to explore collaboration in wealthtech, insurtech, greentech, artificial intelligence (AI), and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
  • Follows HKMA Jun. 2022 unveiled strategy for driving fintech development, #107496.
  • FiNETech
  • Through FiNETech, financial institutions will have one-stop access to the latest information about sourcing options provided collectively by the technology community.
  • Financial institutions and strategic technology partners connected via FiNETech can approach HKMA’s fintech supervisory chatroom (#36467) on innovative proposals.
  • Fintech supervisory sandbox 2.0, which is linked up with other financial regulators’ sandboxes, will also be available for testing and obtaining early supervisory feedback.
  • Upcoming Plans
  • HKMA will expand joint efforts in fintech areas, to zoom into themes of AI, including generative AI, as well as DLT and greentech through further FiNETech sessions.
  • Make tangible progress in fintech adoption by banks and other financial institutions.
  • Share good industry practices and issue further practical guidance for the priority themes, while making reference to global development and international experience.
  • In Jul. 2024, HKMA spoke on unlocking bancassurance potential, see #218552.
  • Aug. 2024 GenA.I. Sandbox
  • On Aug. 13, 2024, HKMA announced the launch of the new generative artificial intelligence (GenA.I.) Sandbox at FiNETech2, the second edition of the FiNETech series.
  • The new GenA.I. Sandbox is a initiative that promotes innovation in GenA.I. such as enhancing effective risk management, anti-fraud efforts and customer experience.
  • The HKMA will organize additional editions of FiNETech in the coming months, focusing on the areas of Greentech and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
  • On the same day, HKMA published opening remarks by Carmen Chu, executive director (banking sector) of HKMA, at FiNETech2, on building secure A.I. ecosystem.
  • Chu encouraged all banks to start considering how GenA.I. can be applied.
  • Detailed information about the sandbox, will be announced in the coming weeks.
  • Sep. 20, 2024 Sandbox Applications Open
  • On Sep. 20, 2024, HKMA issued circular on arrangements for generative AI sandbox.
  • Provides risk-controlled environment for banks to pilot AI-based solutions, especially focusing on retrieval-augmented generation, model fine-tuning, predictive analytics.
  • Aims to enhance risk management, anti-fraud measures, and customer experience.
  • Supports the banking sector in developing AI and GenA.I.-based solutions; provides early supervisory feedback and guidance on AI adoption based on sandbox trials.
  • Solutions should demonstrate significant risk mitigation strategies specific to GenA.I..
  • Data security is critical, with requirements for encryption and access control measures.
  • Key criteria for evaluating sandbox applications include level of innovation, technical complexity, potential industry impact, and adherence to ethical AI usage principles.
  • Interested parties must provide project details, including high-level design, applicable models, preliminary risk assessments, information about their technology partners.
  • HKMA invites applications, which are open until Nov. 15, 2024 for the first cohort, with selected projects starting in Dec. and expected to be completed within six months.
  • Sep. 27, 2024 Research Paper
  • On Sep. 27, 2024, HKMA issued circular on GenA.I. research paper for financial sector.
  • Paper explores GenAI's transformative potential, implications for financial industry and focuses on operational efficiency, risk management, as well as customer engagement.
  • Part of All banks go Fintech under Fintech 2025 strategy to promote Fintech adoption.
  • Authorized institutions encouraged to review paper and consider GenA.I. integration; should responsibly integrate GenA.I. into operations, services, and risk management.

Regulators HKMA
Entity Types B/D; Bank; CNSM; IA; Ins; Inv Co
Reference Cir B1/15C, 9/27/2024; Cir B1/15C, 9/20/2024; Sp, PR 8/13/2024; PR, 4/26/2024; Fintech; ESG
Functions Environment; Financial; Fraud; Legal; Privacy; Risk; Technology
Countries Hong Kong
Category
State
Products AI; Banking; Fund Mgt; Insurance; Securities; Wealth Mgt
Regions AP
Rule Type Final
Rule Date 4/26/2024
Effective Date 11/15/2024
Rule Id 209959
Linked to Rule :107496
Reg. Last Update 9/27/2024
Report Section International

Last substantive update on 10/02/2024