QR payment link to reach over 100 million merchants
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) plans to link the Faster Payment System with UnionPay International by end-2026. Users will progressively gain QR-code access to over 100 million merchants in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and more than 40 overseas markets.
Agentic finance meets quantum readiness
At the 11th Hong Kong FinTech Week, co-organised with Invest Hong Kong, the HKMA launched Project SAGE (Securing Agentic Finance with Governance and Enablement).
It pairs exploration of agentic finance applications with proportionate governance.
A cross-sectoral Agentic Finance Expert Group supports the project; a discussion paper seeks feedback on bank supervisory considerations.
The HKMA and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology launched a post-quantum cryptography toolkit with industry support.
Its framework and practical tools guide banks' transition as quantum computing poses risks to encryption protecting customer data and transactions.
Industry application, validation and feedback will inform updates as standards and implementation practices mature.
Tokenised settlement runs around the clock
EnsembleTX now supports 24/7 real-value transactions under Project Ensemble, enabling global fund allocation, tokenised portfolio management and treasury optimisation.
The HKMA completed trials of secondary-market tokenised Exchange Fund Bills trades by Recognised Dealers to improve secondary and repo trading efficiency.
Trials will soon include regulated stablecoins.
With Cyberport, the HKMA launched tConnect Launchpad, connecting financial institutions, technology firms and digital asset innovators to explore and validate tokenisation use cases.
Innovation paired with safeguards
Fintech 2030, announced in 2025, centres on Data and Payment, Artificial Intelligence, Resilience and Tokenisation under DART.
HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue called for responsible innovation and stronger resilience.
The package combines experimentation with governance and operational safeguards.
Source: Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026
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