Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 23) hosted a press conference and unveiled details of Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 (HKFW x SMUHK), which will take place from November 2 to 6. The event is expected to welcome more than 45 000 participants from over 120 economies, alongside more than 1 000 speakers, 800 exhibitors and start-ups, as well as over 30 Chinese Mainland and international delegations.
Marking the launch of both the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan), HKFW x SMUHK 2026 will highlight financial empowerment, tech innovation, and global expansion as key engines of sustainable business growth. HKFW x SMUHK is organised by the FSTB, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and InvestHK, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Insurance Authority (IA).
A global innovation platform powered by Finance+
As the Asia-Pacific region’s leading financial centre and the world’s top-ranked fintech hub in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, Hong Kong provides a strong foundation for advancing the “Finance+” vision. Backed by deep capital markets and global connectivity, the city is powered by a dual financial and technological engine: a robust financial ecosystem provides the capital needed to scale innovation, while technological advancement continues to transform financial services and unlock new sources of growth.
AI+ and a thriving start-up ecosystem empowering innovation
As Hong Kong advances its “AI+” agenda for cross‑industry AI deep integration, it stands as a global launch pad for innovators to commercialise and scale technology. Supported by a thriving ecosystem of over 5 200 startups and ongoing development of the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong opens new global growth pathways, while the world‑topping Shenzhen‑Hong Kong‑Guangzhou innovation cluster demonstrates how aligned research, talent, capital and industry drive innovation and business expansion.
As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, Hong Kong serves as a trusted launch pad for international expansion. Retaining first place in the Asian Cities Internationality Index 2026, the city combines global connectivity, international business networks and market access, enabling companies to forge global partnerships and expand internationally.
As Hong Kong cements its status as Asia’s premier hub for two-way investment, this year’s event will welcome over 30 delegations from the Chinese Mainland, including those from Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, alongside delegations from North America, Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Central Asia, and other emerging markets. Their vote of confidence reinforces Hong Kong’s standing as Asia’s premier platform for companies seeking global expansion.
The HKFW x SMUHK 2026 main conference will specifically take place on November 2 and 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will feature 10 dedicated forums, including the Policy and Visionary Forum, AI & DeepTech Forum, Digital Assets and Web3 Forum, AI in Finance Forum, China-Global Innovation Forum, InsurTech and HealthTech Forum, GreenTech Forum, Founder and Startup Venture Forum, Tech Builder Forum, and Creator Forum. Esteemed speakers at the main conference include:
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and regulators: