Press Release

Hong Kong, 29 January 2026 – With the advent of the new year, many individuals and businesses are reviewing their financial status and planning asset allocation to prepare for the future. With the continuous evolution of financial technology, emerging concepts such as digital assets and Web3 are gradually becoming integral components of wealth management. The Hong Kong Association of Banks ("HKAB") Digital Banking Education Taskforce (the "Taskforce") released its latest survey report¹, highlighting that digital banks, with their agility and innovative advantages, are becoming a vital bridge for the public to enter the Web3 ecosystem and achieve diversified wealth management.

High Satisfaction with Digital Asset Services

According to the survey, an increasing number of citizens are incorporating digital assets into their overall wealth management strategies. Users generally agree that digital banks possess distinct advantages, including offering a "broad and comprehensive service scope" (60.4%) and "competitive exchange rates and terms" (56.4%), which help enhance the flexibility and efficiency of asset allocation.

The HKAB notes that beyond stability, there is a growing emphasis on innovation and user experience of the financial institutions. Traditional banks provide a solid foundation and comprehensive financial services, while digital banks demonstrate greater flexibility in digitalization and Web3 applications. The two play complementary roles and jointly drive the diversified development of Hong Kong's financial system.

Web3 Ecosystem Taking Shape: Digital Banks Pioneer New Asset Management Scenarios

The survey found that respondents expect digital banks to play multiple roles within the Web3 ecosystem, including the provision of services related to digital assets. This reflects public recognition of digital banks as preferred platforms for safely managing digital assets and conducting Web3 transactions. This trend is gradually integrating digital assets into part of daily financial planning.

The application of digital assets is gaining traction, and the Stablecoins Bill was also passed last year. The survey indicates that 57.6% of the general respondents and 81.5% of SME respondents have some understanding of the Bill's passage. Respondents also look forward to digital banks offering more comprehensive digital asset service solutions in the future, including features for "storage and management," "payments and consumption," and "risk management," thereby further expanding the toolkit for wealth management.

Seamless Connection for Travel Season: Exchange Rate Advantages Highly Favoured

Beyond promoting the Web3 development, digital banks play a critical role in addressing the physical cross-border needs of citizens and businesses. With the continued enthusiasm for outbound travel and northbound consumption during the Christmas and New Year holidays, the fully online model of digital banks perfectly responds to these scenarios.

The survey shows that 92.7% of the general respondents and 97.1% of SME respondents agree that digital banks provide more convenient and geographically unrestricted financial services for cross-border business and daily life, allowing users to manage finances anywhere anytime. Furthermore, competitive exchange rates remain a significant advantage; approximately 90% of individual respondents and over 97% of SME respondents consider the RMB and foreign currency exchange rates offered by digital banks to be attractive, helping to reduce costs for cross-border transactions or overseas consumption.

HKAB: Encouraging Financial Planning Review; Digital Banks as Key Platforms for Diversified Allocation

Ms. Gigi Wong, spokesperson for the HKAB Digital Banking Education Taskforce, stated, "As we begin the new year, we encourage the public to review their financial needs and make long-term plans by leveraging diversified types of financial tools. This survey reflects the unique value digital banks deliver in providing innovative wealth management experiences, particularly in the application of digital assets and the Web3 ecosystem, bringing more diversified possibilities to Hong Kong's financial market. Looking ahead, digital banks will continue to drive financial inclusion and financial autonomy on a compliant and secure foundation, working with the industry to build a more comprehensive financial ecosystem."

-END-

¹Commissioned by the HKAB Digital Banking Education Taskforce, the survey was conducted by the School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) between August 13 and 26, 2025. A total of 1,006 individuals and 205 SMEs were successfully interviewed via an online questionnaire.

 

Media Enquiries 

Please contact Burson:

Simon Hui	Wing Chan
simon.hui@bursonglobal.com	wing.chanwy@bursonglobal.com
+852 2894 6290	+852 2894 6290