Fintech adoption triples and AI usage hits 79% in HK

Fintech adoption has tripled and AI usage hits 79% in Hong Kong as local trading companies move beyond adoption to transform cross-border trade, according to a survey by Airwallex. 

Airwallex's third annual trade report, titled “The future of Hong Kong trade: From adopting to advancing,” surveyed 462 cross-border businesses between March and April 2026. The findings reveal that trading firms are redesigning their core operating models by embedding AI, fintech, and data-driven solutions directly into global operations.

According to the survey, AI adoption among surveyed cross-border businesses jumped from 25% to 79% in just 12 months, signaling a rapid transition from early experimentation to everyday operational reliance.

More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents plan to increase their AI usage over the coming year as tools are embedded across finance, operations, and sourcing. Notably, only 1% of businesses expect to reduce AI usage over the next 12 months.

To navigate an increasingly complex trade environment, over 68% of respondents are investing in technology-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and protect operating margins.

As trade evolves to be more real-time and interconnected, financial infrastructure is emerging as a critical enabler of performance.

Adoption of fintech solutions for cross-border transactions has roughly tripled over the past 12 months, with around 60% of trading companies now using digital financial services. Businesses are turning to fintech to reduce costs (60%), accelerate payments (48%) and gain greater visibility (36%) over global financial operations.

This shift reflects a clear trend: Fintech is no longer an alternative, but an essential part of how modern cross-border trade is conducted.

Trade is increasingly defined by flexibility, speed and control. The share of trading companies adopting “only-as-needed” sourcing has nearly doubled from 15% to 29%, reflecting a shift towards more responsive decision-making. At the same time, nearly 80% of respondents expect to increase their use of online sourcing channels over the next 12 months, with hybrid models emerging as businesses combine digital efficiency with the trust of in-person engagement. 

As global conditions remain volatile, these shifts are helping businesses respond faster to changing demand, manage risk more effectively and protect margins.

While technology adoption varies across verticals, traditional industries are showing significant digital momentum. Despite complex supply chains and relationship-heavy business models, the jewellery sector leads all surveyed industries in future intent, with 37% of jewellery trading firms actively evaluating fintech solutions.

Although barriers such as regulatory compliance and provider reliability remain key considerations, this strong intent points to a large, untapped market for tailored digital financial services.

Smilely Lam, associate executive director of HKTDC, said, “This report highlights a clear inflection point in this transformation. Technology has evolved from a supporting role into a core enabler of competitiveness, risk management and long-term growth.  Nearly 80% of surveyed cross-border traders have already adopted AI in some form, underscoring the pace at which innovation is being embedded into trade practices. More broadly, businesses are moving beyond basic digitisation to redesign their sourcing strategies, operating models and engagement with global markets.”

Arnold Chan, APAC general manager, Airwallex, said, “Hong Kong trading companies are moving beyond adopting new technology to transforming how they operate. AI and fintech are becoming the infrastructure behind modern trade, helping businesses move money faster, improve visibility into cash flow, and respond more quickly to changing market conditions."

"Fast, integrated, and intelligent financial systems are no longer a competitive advantage but a requirement. Against this backdrop, Airwallex, as an AI-native financial platform, helps businesses build more integrated, secure, and scalable operations to compete in this new era of global trade," Chan added.

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