FCAS

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The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has over the past two decades worked towards transforming and developing Hong Kong’s fintech industry into one fit for a smart city linked to the world’s second-largest economy. After all, some 75 percent of the world’s top 100 banking institutions are based on the island.

Fintech, or financial technology, is one of ASTRI’s key pillars, and ASTRI recognises the importance of supporting its development and anticipating the industry’s growing demands. It is a process that begins long before research work can even start.

Hence, together with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), ASTRI launched the Fintech Career Accelerator Scheme (FCAS) in 2016 with the singular aim of cultivating and sculpting the right talents to sustain banking, finance and business services, and retaining Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial hub. It is the first fintech internship scheme led by a regulatory agency and a research institute.

So how does FCAS work? Essentially, the scheme grooms upcoming talents by providing students with early exposure to the fintech industry and experience in real business environments. It is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in relevant fields such as business and finance, law, computer science, and engineering.

In the words of ASTRI chief technology officer Lucas Hui, “everybody wins.” “FCAS gives students access to industry experience hard to obtain anywhere else, with a specifically targeted programme that pairs banks and other services with the best upcoming talents.”

The 2020/2021 FCAS programme is open for applications. Those interested to apply are encouraged to visit for upcoming details of FCAS scheme: http://www.hkma.gov.hk/fcas