The Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) issued policies for the financial services industry focusing on efficiency, security and customer service improvements to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence. 

On Oct. 28, the FSTB — the Hong Kong government agency dedicated to devising and enforcing policies in finance and treasury — revealed its stance on AI adoption. 

The FSTB said that Hong Kong’s financial services industry is receptive to deploying AI into their businesses. The regulator recommended a “dual-track approach” for its financial services industry to foster AI development while addressing potential challenges.

Calls for a regulatory team effort

The government intends to collaborate with financial regulators and service providers to facilitate responsible AI adoption. The report said:

“After all, it (AI adoption) is a balancing act – capturing opportunities and mitigating risks.”

The FSTB’s policy statement highlighted six opportunities from next-gen AI applications, which include research and data analysis, building investment strategies, enhanced customer service, automated risk assessment, crime detection and prevention and workflow automation.

Current use of AI in Hong Kong includes banking, securities, insurance, accounting, pension fund management and green initiatives.

Hong Kong will create a supervisory framework to mitigate various risks accompanied by AI adoption, which include job displacement, intellectual property rights protection and protection for all stakeholders.

Hong Kong SFC to soon clarify AI-related obligations

Additionally, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong will issue a circular in November detailing the rules, regulations and risks associated with AI adoption. 

Related: Hong Kong to license more crypto exchanges by end of year

In September, the Hong Kong SFC sought stakeholders’ opinions on introducing a new licensing regime for cryptocurrency over-the-counter (OTC) services.

According to a South China Morning Post report, the SFC and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) will supervise companies offering crypto OTC trading, a service that allows Hong Kong users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies privately.

The planned regulations and licensing for crypto OTC services in Hong Kong were initially to be handled exclusively by the C&ED under a proposal made public in February.

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