Hong Kong – Shenzhen-based digital banking leader WeBank has unveiled plans to establish its technology headquarters in Hong Kong, committing up to US$150 million to the venture and promising to create highly skilled technology jobs in the city.
The government has welcomed WeBank’s initiative, with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) working together to assist in the establishment of the technology company’s headquarters in Hong Kong.
WeBank’s technology company headquarters in Hong Kong will serve as a base for its R&D activities and provide commercialising technology solutions for global markets.
As a key participant, contributor, and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong was chosen by WeBank for its vision, readiness to embrace frontier technologies, and vibrant fintech ecosystem. Additionally, Hong Kong’s well-established international financial services sector made it an ideal location for the bank’s new headquarters.
Alpha Lau, director-deneral of InvestHK, said, “The establishment of WeBank’s operation in Hong Kong has been the result of extensive co-ordination between the FSTB and InvestHK to ensure that the company is well positioned for success upon commencing its activities in our city. The numerous strategic enterprises that have recently announced the opening of international research and development (R&D) centres and headquarters in Hong Kong is clear evidence that our city possesses clear advantages in enabling globally scaled companies to achieve their ambitions. InvestHK warmly welcomes WeBank and remains fully committed to facilitating the establishment and growth of forward-thinking enterprises in our dynamic and vibrant business environment.”
Meanwhile, Li Nanqing, President of WeBank, shared, “Hong Kong has emerged as a centre of excellence in global business connectivity and financial technology innovation. It offers us an ideal environment to advance our innovation and expand our international footprint. We are excited to contribute to and benefit from the city’s dynamic fintech ecosystem, robust infrastructure, and strategic connectivity. We look forward to collaborating with local partners and stakeholders and attracting talent on this exciting next step of our journey.”
WeBank, serving over 4.5 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and nearly 400 million individuals in Mainland China, is renowned for its inclusive financial services. Recognised by the International Data Corporation as a global digital banking benchmark, WeBank excels in fintech innovation, particularly in AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data. To date, it has filed over 3,800 patent applications.
