Six Canadian FinTech entrepreneurs along with their respective colleagues visited ASTRI on Thursday, 19 January 2017. The delegation was accompanied by Canada’s Consul and Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong Ms Emily McLaughlin as well as other officials from the Consulate.

Around the world, the Financial Technologies (FinTech) industry is on a roaring boom. A 2016 report by EY predicted that FinTech adoption in Canada could triple within 12 months. This phenomenon reciprocates the fact that growth in FinTech adoption is one of the highest in the world in markers like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.

A country that is famous for its advanced nano-technology-research, and for inventing the world’s first quantum-computer and ‘Blackberry’, Canada enjoys a robust technology scene and a strong financial services sector, leading to a FinTech ecosystem conducive to start-ups and technological innovation. The visiting companies presented their FinTech propositions and experience to senior management and experts at ASTRI.

On behalf of ASTRI, Dr Frank Tong – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Meikei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer, Dr Duncan Wong – Vice President of FinTech, Dr James Lei, Acting Director of Intelligent Software and Systems joined other R&D experts to welcome the delegation. Dr Duncan Wong gave an overview of ASTRI and its R&D initiatives including the latest developments in FinTech. After the initial experience sharing session, individual meetings with smaller groups were arranged where the Canadian FinTech entrepreneurs had in-depth discussion with ASTRI’s experts on specific areas of technology development for potential collaboration.

The Canadian Fintech Mission is in the City for the Asia Financial Forum (AFF) 2017 and the FinTech Finals 2017.

Canadian Fintech Mission led by Consulate General of Canada in HK visit ASTRI. Dr Frank Tong (1st row: 4th from left), Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI and Ms Emily McLaughlin, Consul & Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada (1st row: 5th from left, Consul & Trade Commissioner)