HSBC announces ’AI and Emerging Technology Institute’ at Hong Kong Fintech week
- New HSBC AI & Emerging Technology Institute will develop new and innovative technologies that can be deployed across HSBC’s operations, with initial focus on AI upskilling, AI safety, AI-enabled fraud detection and engineering optimisation, post-quantum cryptography and blockchain
- The Institute, which will be based in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, will bring together research and technology specialists
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology selected as the Institute’s anchor academic partner
Hong Kong, 2 November 2026 — HSBC today marked the start of Hong Kong FinTech Week by announcing plans to establish a global AI & Emerging Technology Institute in the city, working with selected academic and technology partners to develop new and innovative technologies that can be deployed across HSBC’s operations.
Set to begin operations in early 2027 and focusing initially on AI, including AI upskilling, AI safety and fraud detection, post-quantum cryptography and blockchain, the Institute combines research capabilities with technology deployment teams to help move innovations from exploration into practical, scalable use across the bank.
The Institute will be based in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, further underlining HSBC’s long-term commitment to Hong Kong and its role as a centre for innovation, research and technology.
HSBC has also selected the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to become the Institute’s anchor academic partner. HKUST will contribute scientific expertise, specialist research, and access to talent and connections to leading academic institutions. Additional technology partners may also join the Institute in the future to support HSBC priorities.
David Liao, Co-Chief Executive, Asia Pacific and Middle East, HSBC, said: “Technology is reshaping financial services at remarkable speed. HSBC will explore the opportunities it creates thoughtfully and strategically, turning the most valuable innovations into better outcomes for our customers. Hong Kong offers an exceptional base to lead this work, combining deep financial-services expertise, world-class research capability and strong connections across the Chinese mainland and international markets.“
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, said: “HKUST is proud to partner with HSBC in establishing the HSBC AI and Emerging Technology Institute. By combining HKUST’s strengths in pioneering research and innovation with HSBC’s deep industry expertise and international reach, we are creating a powerful platform to advance the development and responsible application of emerging technologies. Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate the translation of research into practical solutions with real-world impact. Equally important, the partnership will foster talent development, knowledge exchange, and innovation across disciplines and sectors. Together, we hope to contribute to the future of financial services while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a leading international centre for innovation and technology.”
The Institute’s aim will be to improve HSBC’s banking services and operations for the benefit of customers, while informing the bank’s engineering and technology strategies. For instance, one immediate area of research and development will be how to ensure defensive preparedness against new attempts at fraud in the agentic AI world.
Note to editors:
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 56 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,445bn at 30 September 2026, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
HSBC announces ’AI and Emerging Technology Institute’ at Hong Kong Fintech week (2-page PDF 32.69KB)