ZA Bank backs Hong Kong policies on AI and tokenisation

The Policy Address also introduced support for SMEs.

ZA Bank said that it is welcoming the “forward-looking policies” announced by Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee in the 2025 Policy Address.

The policies align with global innovation trends, and accelerate the building of “a smarter, more competitive financial system” in Hong Kong, according to Calvin Ng, CEO of the Hong Kong-based digital bank.

Ng noted the focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, and tokenisation, as well as the government’s “application-led” and “safety approach” to AI which he said is closely aligned to the real needs of the financial industry.

He also observed that Hong Kong is moving beyond exploring tokenised deposits and real-world asset tokenisation to enter the phase of application and regulation.

“Tokenised assets can improve transparency, boost transaction efficiency, and even reshape the structure of capital markets. With the right regulatory sandbox in place, Hong Kong has the potential to become Asia’s most attractive testbed for Web3 financial innovation,” Ng said.

Ng also noted the policy address's introduction of what he said is timely support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), from a financing guarantee scheme and principal moratoriums, to enhancing export credit and e-commerce support.

“These aren’t just relief measures; they’re strategic moves to help businesses navigate transformation,” Ng said.

He also noted the government’s push to digitise trade and explore tokenised e-bills of lading and explore tokenised e-bills of lading, which he said is a “meaningful step” towards faster, simpler, and more transparent access to financing. It also has the potential to reshape supply chain finance.