HKMA and Cyberport Launch GenAI Sandbox to Bolster AI Adoption in Financial Sector

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), announced the launch of the new Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Sandbox at FiNETech2, the second edition of the FiNETech series.

Building on the momentum of the first successful inaugural event in April 20241, the HKMA, the Cyberport and the FinTech Association of Hong Kong co-hosted “FiNETech2 – Into the A.I. verse”, highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the financial industry. Supported by financial regulators, industry associations as well as technology communities, and powered by market experts, FiNETech2 brought together over 300 professionals from the banking, securities, insurance, and technology sectors. By nurturing partnerships between financial institutions and A.I. solution providers, FiNETech2 showcased innovative AI technologies and explored potential applications in risk management, anti-fraud, customer services and process re-engineering.

During the event, the HKMA announced the launch of the new GenAI Sandbox. Through interactive engagement with the industry, the HKMA will draw insights from the GenA.I. Sandbox and share good practices, while keeping its guidance relevant and fit-for-purpose in the light of the latest development.

Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, “The new GenA.I. Sandbox is a pioneering initiative that promotes responsible innovation in GenAI across the banking industry. It will empower banks to pilot their novel GenAI use cases within a risk-managed framework, supported by essential technical assistance and targeted supervisory feedback. Banks are encouraged to make full use of this resource to unlock the power of Gen AI. in enhancing effective risk management, anti-fraud efforts and customer experience.”

To adapt to the forthcoming changes, the HKMA is committed to capacity building and promoting responsible innovation in GenAI, including a recent training session which was attended by over 120 financial professionals, focusing on practical A.I. adoption strategies in the financial industry. The HKMA is also conducting case studies on the latest international development of AI, including GenAI, and will share good practices to encourage adoption.

The HKMA will organise additional editions of FiNETech in the coming months, focusing on the areas of Greentech and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and continue to drive tangible progress in Fintech adoption by banks and other financial institutions.