Standard Chartered has chosen Hong Kong as the linchpin for its global push towards digital finance and blockchain as it aims for larger returns and to stay ahead of the technology curve.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post on 10 November 2025, CEO Bill Winters explained that Hong Kong’s open-mindedness and experimental approach towards crypto regulations make it a great place to build new blockchain-based financial tools.
Further to that, he highlighted the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) pilot projects in this sector, including tokenized deposits, digital currencies for banks, and stablecoins, as proof that regulators in the city are encouraging innovation while keeping investors safe.
“We’re going to remain ahead on digital technology, and what we lose in margin, we’re going to make up in volume by providing a better service to our customers,” Winters said.
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Fintech 2030: Hong Kong Launches 5 Year Plan To Boost Innovation
Hong Kong is stepping up. It aims to become a global leader in digital finance. Shoot for the stars, I say, if not a global leader, then surely a regional leader in the coming years.
Last week, HKMA introduced its five-year plan called Fintech 2030 to speed up innovation within the city’s financial sector. The strategy revolves around four key areas, including data and payments, artificial intelligence, resilience, and tokenization.
Together, it is known as the DART framework and is designed by the authorities as a guide for the next phase of fintech growth in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the plan includes 40 new programs focused on bringing in new tech, improving cybersecurity, and broadening access to financial services so that it is available to all.
If successful, these efforts could help the industry generate more than $600Bn in revenue by 2032.
At the same time, regulators are making it easier to trade digital assets. Julia Leung, Chief Executive of the Securities and Futures Commission, said, “Licensed crypto exchanges in Hong Kong will soon be allowed to link with global order books.”
Meaning, local platforms can access more trading volume and attract bigger investors. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered has heavily involved itself in Hong Kong’s sandboxes, a testing ground for new blockchain technology.
Winters believes that blockchain can make financial transactions cheaper and more efficient.
“Ultimately, people will prioritise moving money securely, efficiently and cheaply,” he said. “Financial markets always find a way.”
