Revolut plans Hong Kong expansion as city promotes fintech strengths abroad
European digital banking firm Revolut is planning to establish operations in Hong Kong, signalling growing international interest in the city’s financial technology sector. The move follows meetings between Revolut executives and Hong Kong’s financial leadership in London, where the city was actively promoting its role as a global hub for finance and innovation.
Meetings in London pave the way
The plans came to light during Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo po’s visit to the UK capital, where he met senior representatives from Revolut. The discussions formed part of a broader outreach effort aimed at attracting global financial institutions and fintech companies to Hong Kong. While details of Revolut’s local set up have not yet been disclosed, the engagement suggests the company is exploring Hong Kong as a base for its Asian operations.
Revolut is one of Europe’s most prominent digital banks, known for its app based financial services and rapid international expansion. A Hong Kong presence would mark a significant step in extending its footprint into the Asia Pacific region.
Hong Kong courts global investors and family offices
During his London visit, Chan also met representatives from family offices across Europe the Middle East and Asia. These meetings were part of an ongoing campaign to position Hong Kong as a destination for global wealth management and cross border investment. The city has been working to attract family offices by offering regulatory clarity deep capital markets and access to opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
By engaging with international investors directly, Hong Kong hopes to strengthen its appeal amid increasing competition from other financial centres.
Promoting finance and innovation opportunities
Chan attended a dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council where he encouraged UK businesses and professionals to consider investing in Hong Kong or pursuing careers there. He highlighted opportunities arising from the city’s expanding finance and innovation and technology sectors, which authorities see as key drivers of future growth.
Hong Kong has been investing heavily in fintech digital assets and innovation infrastructure as part of efforts to diversify its economy and reinforce its role in global finance.
Why Hong Kong appeals to fintech firms
For companies like Revolut, Hong Kong offers a combination of advantages including a well established regulatory framework strong rule of law and close links to mainland China. The city’s deep pool of financial and technology talent also makes it attractive for firms seeking to scale digital services in Asia.
Recent initiatives such as support for digital banking virtual assets and tokenised financial products have further strengthened Hong Kong’s fintech credentials.
Expanding east as competition intensifies
Revolut’s potential entry into Hong Kong reflects a broader trend of European and global fintech firms looking east for growth. As competition intensifies in mature markets, Asia offers access to new customers higher growth rates and a dynamic financial landscape.
Hong Kong’s ability to connect international firms with regional markets positions it as a strategic entry point for such expansion.
A signal of renewed confidence
The interest shown by Revolut adds to signs of renewed confidence in Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem. As the city continues to promote itself globally, attracting high profile fintech players could help reinforce its standing as a leading centre for digital finance.
If Revolut proceeds with its plans, its presence would not only expand consumer choice but also underline Hong Kong’s ambition to remain at the forefront of financial innovation.
