Hong Kong Fintech Week 2026 to focus on 'Finance+', 'AI+' and global expansion
Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 will centre on three growth engines: 'Finance+', 'AI+' and global expansion. The event, from 2 to 3 November, will feature over 30 delegations and key leaders, aligning with the city's first five-year plan.
Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 will focus on three growth engines: 'Finance+', 'AI+' and global expansion, according to a government press release on 23 October. The event, organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and InvestHK, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Insurance Authority, aligns with the national '15th Five-Year Plan' and Hong Kong's first five-year economic and social development plan.
Hong Kong ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region in the latest Global Financial Centre Index and retains the top spot as a global fintech hub, providing a solid foundation for 'Finance+' development. Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui said the event's theme, 'Fintech Hub: Connecting the World, Building the Future', reflects the city's leading position in global fintech, which is backed by international recognition. He added that the government would use the event to showcase how Hong Kong's fintech strength can advance gold and commodity development, linking international markets with Asian liquidity.
Hong Kong is advancing its 'AI+' strategy to promote deep integration of artificial intelligence across industries, leveraging a vibrant startup ecosystem of over 5,200 companies and the developing Northern Metropolis. The 'Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou' technology cluster, ranked first globally, highlights strengths in research, talent, capital and industry-driven innovation. The Global Fast Track programme, part of the event, has attracted over 700 applications from Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania, aiming to accelerate technology commercialisation and international expansion.
InvestHK Director-General Michael Wong said the event, entering its second decade, reflects Hong Kong's strategic direction to drive innovation and economic development, promote industrial transformation and support enterprises expanding into overseas markets. Hong Kong remains the top-ranked city in the Asian Cities Internationalisation Index 2026, underscoring its international connectivity, business networks and market linkages. This year's event will welcome over 30 delegations from mainland Chinese cities including Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, as well as from North America, Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, ASEAN, Central Asia and other emerging markets.
The main forum will be held on 2 and 3 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring 10 specialised forums covering policy, AI, digital assets, Web3, fintech AI, insurtech, green tech, entrepreneurship and venture capital. Key speakers include Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Christopher Hui, Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Edward Yau, HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue, SFC Chief Executive Julia Leung, and IA Chief Executive Clement Cheung. Global policy leaders include former BIS General Manager Agustin Carstens, UK FCA Chairman Charles Randell, and others. Industry leaders include AIA Hong Kong and Macau CEO Eric Fong, Standard Chartered Group CEO Bill Winters, HSBC Group CEO Georges Elhedery, Pony.ai Co-founder and CEO Peng Jun, and Bank of China Vice Chairman and President Zhang Hui.
In addition to the main forum, attendees can participate in networking, business matching and community activities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. A highlight is the two-day 'GBA Corporate Innovation Tour', allowing participants to visit Shenzhen, one of the world's most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
