Hong Kong fintech ecosystem still strong, given capital, talent and links to Greater Bay Area, says new FTAHK chairman

Neil Tan, new chairman of the Fintech Association of Hong Kong, says current challenges just a ‘bump in the road’

Organisation will strengthen its role connecting fintech companies in Hong Kong, within the Greater Bay Area and across Asia, he says

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A view of Hong Kong form Victoria Peak on July 28, 2022. Photo: SCMP / Sam Tsang

Published: 9:30am, 16 Sep 2022

Hong Kong has access to investment, a pool of talent and government subsidies, which make it an attractive place for business, the new chairman of the Fintech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) said in an interview with the Post.

“I think the [fintech] ecosystem in Hong Kong is very strong,” said Neil Tan, the newly appointed chairman, who is also CEO of blockchain start-up Neptune Digital. “There’s no question that there are challenges, but that’s universal.”

Stringent border control and quarantine measures have led to more than 113,000 residents leaving Hong Kong in the 12 months to the end of June, according to government data.

Meanwhile, one in five global fund management companies operating in the city are offering hardship allowances to attract overseas talent to the city, according to a July survey by the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association.

Neil Tan, new chairman of the Fintech Association of Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

However, Tan is confident “people are still staying put” and not giving up on the financial hub.

“[The current situation] is simply a bump in the road, but Hong Kong is not going to stop,” Tan said.

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