Standard Chartered is betting on Hong Kong to anchor its global digital finance strategy as it targets higher returns and prepares for a blockchain-powered future, according to CEO Bill Winters.
In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Winters praised the city’s forward-thinking regulatory approach, saying its openness to experimentation has created an ideal environment for developing blockchain solutions that can transform financial services.
He pointed to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) pilot programmes on tokenized deposits, wholesale central bank digital currencies and stablecoins as examples of how regulators are enabling innovation without compromising safety.
“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.
Hong Kong Deepens Fintech Ambitions With Fintech 2030
Hong Kong’s push to become a global hub for digital finance gained fresh momentum last week. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched its five-year “Fintech 2030” strategy to accelerate innovation across the city’s financial system.
The plan focuses on four pillars (data and payments, artificial intelligence, resilience and tokenization) together forming the DART framework. This roadmap will guide the next wave of Hong Kong’s fintech growth.
In addition, the initiative includes more than 40 programmes aimed at integrating new technologies, strengthening cybersecurity and expanding financial inclusion. Collectively, these efforts could help the sector surpass $600b in revenue by 2032.
Regulators are also easing constraints on digital asset trading. Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Chief Executive Julia Leung said licensed crypto exchanges in Hong Kong will soon be allowed to link with global order books, enabling local platforms to tap into broader liquidity and attract more institutional players.
Standard Chartered Builds Momentum In Capital-Light, High-Return Digital Segments
Standard Chartered has played an active role in the HKMA’s regulatory sandboxes, where new blockchain applications are tested in controlled settings. Winters said blockchain technology could lower transaction costs and improve efficiency across financial services.
“Ultimately, people will prioritise moving money securely, efficiently and cheaply,” he said. “Financial markets always find a way.” He added that the bank would continue to strengthen compliance with anti-money-laundering and fraud-prevention rules as it scales digital operations.
Growth In High-Return Segments Lifts Standard Chartered’s Quarterly Earnings
Standard Chartered’s commitment to digital finance is already paying off. In the third quarter, the bank’s net profit rose 10% to $1.03b, beating analyst expectations.
The performance was driven by growth in capital-light, high-return segments such as wealth management, cross-border payments and digital finance.
“Those areas are less capital-intensive, higher-returning and fast-growing, so we’re happy to keep deploying resources there,” Winters said.
Hong Kong remains a key investment destination for Standard Chartered’s affluent and wealth management business across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The bank plans to invest $1.5b in wealth management over the next five years. This move reinforces its long-term commitment to the region.
For Bill Winters, Hong Kong’s growing regulatory clarity and strong institutional participation strengthen its appeal. Moreover, the city’s openness to blockchain innovation makes it central to Standard Chartered’s digital finance roadmap.
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