As Head of PR for Akurateco, a white-label payment solutions provider empowering businesses with customizable and secure payment infrastructures, I had the unique opportunity to represent our company at Hong Kong Fintech Week 2024. Attending as one of the few Ukrainians gave me a distinct perspective on Asia’s flagship fintech event, and I’m excited to share insights from this experience with other fintech and tech communities.

Embracing Opportunities for Connection

One of my key takeaways was the importance of taking every opportunity to build genuine connections. With many media representatives tied up in pre-scheduled sessions, I quickly realized that expecting spontaneous interviews wouldn’t be feasible. Instead, I focused on having meaningful conversations with industry peers and other fintech professionals. For instance, I met with founders of emerging fintech startups focused on Southeast Asian markets, gaining insight into how these companies are tackling regional payment challenges. Such exchanges underscored that these events are as much about relationship-building as showcasing innovations and that authentic engagement often leads to unexpected opportunities for future partnerships.

AI’s Growing Influence on Fintech

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence took centre stage throughout the conference. Industry leaders, such as HSBC and Tencent Cloud, showcased AI applications that are transforming their operations, from fraud detection to personalized customer service. For example, Tencent’s demonstration of AI ‘digital humans’ illustrated how customer interactions can be both automated and engaging. For Akurateco, these innovations align with our focus on creating secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment systems.

Environmental Fintech: A Surprising Priority

An unexpected yet vital theme was the rise of environmental fintech, with many startups tackling the issue of emissions compliance for large corporations. In panel discussions, experts highlighted how blockchain solutions are increasingly used to track carbon credits and enable companies to meet sustainability standards. This approach, referred to as the “financialisation of nature,” is reshaping how companies view their environmental responsibilities.

Hong Kong’s Strategic Role as a Fintech Hub

Hong Kong’s position as a fintech bridge between East and West was also a major highlight of the event. Government representatives underscored the city’s supportive policies, tax incentives, and cross-border data-sharing initiatives designed to attract global fintech players. New partnerships, such as the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Saudi Arabia, reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering connections and investments with the Middle East, highlighting its role as a major global tech hub. For Akurateco and other fintech companies, Hong Kong is an invaluable market and collaboration gateway.

Final Thoughts: Building Global Connections for Local Impact

Attending Hong Kong Fintech Week was more than just an opportunity to explore new technologies; it was a reminder of the importance of cross-border collaboration and thoughtful storytelling in PR. This experience reinforced the value of representing Ukraine’s fintech voice on the global stage, bringing back insights that can benefit our industry. Ultimately, these events are about more than technology—they are about people and partnerships, and the connections we make today will shape our path forward in fintech.