Hong Kong’s fintech landscape has evolved into a dynamic force in Asia, driven by regulatory innovation, technological advancements, and a maturing digital finance ecosystem. Over the past decade, the city has transformed into a thriving fintech hub, balancing its deep financial heritage with cutting-edge digital solutions.
At the heart of this evolution are the top fintech unicorns in Hong Kong. Startups valued at over $1 billion, which are redefining financial services and reinforcing the city’s position as a global fintech leader.
Unlike other major fintech hubs, Hong Kong’s unicorns operate in a uniquely regulated yet innovation-friendly environment, leveraging initiatives such as virtual banking licenses, digital asset regulations, and alternative investment frameworks to push the boundaries of digital finance.
According to Statista, Asia Pacific is home to 6,351 unicorns. As of 20 February 2025. Hong Kong is home to four prominent fintech unicorns: HashKey Group, WeLab, Micro Connect and ZA Group.
These companies are not just achieving high valuations. Their ability to scale within a robust regulatory framework, attract institutional and retail investors, and drive financial inclusion makes them pivotal to Hong Kong’s fintech success story.
In this article, we take a closer look at the full list of fintech unicorns in Hong Kong, their business models, and the impact they are making in Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.
What is a fintech unicorn?
A fintech unicorn is a private company in the financial technology sector valued at over $1 billion. These companies play a key role in reshaping financial services using cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models. They grow quickly, often through major investments and technological progress, allowing them to create new financial solutions and services.
Fintech unicorns in Hong Kong are key to driving innovation in areas like digital banking, asset management, and financial inclusion. They improve efficiency, accessibility, and customer experience through new technologies and services that meet changing market demands.
The Full List of Fintech Unicorns in Hong Kong
HashKey Group
HashKey Group is a key player in Asia’s digital asset financial services sector and is known for its innovative and comprehensive ecosystem. With a valuation exceeding $1.2 billion, HashKey provides services across trading, custody, asset management, and venture capital investments, catering to institutional and professional investors globally.
The group’s headquarters is in Hong Kong and it operates with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, security, and innovation.
HashKey operates HashKey Exchange, a digital asset exchange licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, ensuring a safe and regulated platform for trading. The company also offers custody services, and its asset management division delivers blockchain-related investment strategies.
As of now, the group secured a $30 million investment from Gaorong Ventures, an in-principal approval for a VASP license in Dubai, and a virtual asset service provider approval in Ireland under its subsidiary HashKey Europe Limited.
WeLab
Next, WeLab also makes into the full list of fintech unicorns in Hong Kong.WeLab is a leading pan-Asian fintech platform with a strong presence in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Indonesia. It operates multiple brands, including WeLab Bank in Hong Kong, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of We Lab Holdings Limited.
WeLab Bank was granted a virtual banking license by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in April 2019, becoming the first homegrown fintech company in Hong Kong to establish a virtual bank. It has since become a significant player in the digital banking landscape.
WeLab’s business model focuses on providing innovative digital financial services, leveraging technologies like AI, big data, and machine learning to enhance customer experience. Additionally, WeLab Bank has achieved its first breakeven in December 2024, attributed to its lowered lending costs and diversified revenue streams.
WeLab is backed by prominent investors such as Tom Group, Sequoia Capital, and Allianz Group. The group is exploring expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia, such as its recent Lightnet-WeLab Virtual Bank Consortium to elevate financial opportunities for underserved segments in Thailand.
Micro Connect
Micro Connect is an exchange group that uses financial technology to link global investors with small and micro businesses. Its unique revenue-sharing investment model provides small businesses with affordable, long-term funding through the Micro Connect (Macao) Financial Assets Exchange (MCEX), which the company claims to be the first licensed exchange for daily revenue sharing.
The group’s revenue-sharing asset class, Revenue Based Obligations (RBOs), provides investors with direct and diverse access to the transparent daily cash flows of the global consumer economy. At the same time, it makes capital accessible and affordable for business owners.
Through its licensed exchange (MCEX), Micro Connect aims to bring efficiency and liquidity to small business investing, offering global professional investors a new way into impact investing.
In September 2024, Micro Connect (Macao) Financial Assets Exchange (MCEX) launched a new market operating structure, Micro Star. Along with this, MCEX introduced a full set of rules and guidelines for the Micro Star system and unveiled the first group of listed market vehicles.
ZA Group
ZA Group is a financial brand launched in 2019 by ZhongAn Technologies International Group Limited (‘ZA Global’). It offers innovative services through a series of initiatives, including ZA Bank, ZA Insure, ZA Mall, ZA Tech and ZA Invest.
In December 2024, ZA Bank announced a positive market response to its Tax Loan, recording double-digit growth in both the number of applications and total loan amounts.
ZA Group also partnered with Hong Kong’s HashKey Exchange, to enable retail users to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum within the ZA Bank App. Doing so allowed its users to make fiat transactions in HKD and USD directly.
Hong Kong’s Healthy Fintech Ecosystem
Hong Kong is an effective hub for fintech unicorns, supported by strong government initiatives like the Cyberport Incubation Programme. This program offers up to HK$500,000 in financial assistance and rent-free workspace for startups. These efforts have been instrumental in the success of fintech and other industries.
Another key funding source is the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), which provides up to HK$21.5 million in funding and global expansion opportunities, as highlighted in InvestHK’s Hong Kong Fintech Ecosystem Report 2025.
As a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and a magnet for global talent, Hong Kong offers unique opportunities for fintech startups. The city attracts global investors and provides businesses with the resources and a highly skilled workforce needed to drive innovation and growth.
What’s Next for Fintech Unicorns in Hong Kong?
Looking ahead, the next wave of fintech unicorns in Hong Kong will likely emerge in sectors rapidly gaining traction, such as embedded finance, decentralized finance (DeFi), AI-powered financial services, and sustainable fintech solutions.
The city’s regulatory approach, particularly around virtual assets, open banking, and cross-border fintech collaboration, will play towards shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
For instance, Hong Kong’s efforts in Web 3.0 and crypto regulations, as well as its advancements in open banking through initiatives like the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI), are setting the stage for future innovation.
Hong Kong’s commitment to fintech innovation continues to attract both startups and established financial institutions seeking to integrate digital solutions.
As capital markets evolve and consumer demand shifts towards more seamless, tech-driven financial experiences, new players are poised to disrupt the space, following in the footsteps of today’s fintech unicorns.
The HKMA’s “Fintech 2025” strategy further supports this growth by encouraging comprehensive fintech adoption across the financial sector and promoting equitable and efficient financial services.
FAQs
What is a fintech unicorn?
A fintech unicorn is a privately held financial technology company valued at over $1 billion.
How many fintech unicorns are in Hong Kong?
As of 2025, Hong Kong is home to four fintech unicorns.
What are the top fintech unicorns in Hong Kong in 2025?
Leading fintech unicorns in Hong Kong include HashKey Group, WeLab, Micro Connect, and ZA Group.
Why are Airwallex, Amber Group, and Babel Finance not in the list of fintech unicorns in Hong Kong for 2025?
Airwallex and Amber Group are now headquartered in Singapore. Meanwhile, Bloomberg revealed that Babel Finance suffered a $766 million loss in 2023.
Why is Hong Kong a hub for fintech?
Hong Kong’s supportive government policies, favourable business environment, and access to funding and talent make it an attractive hub for fintech innovation.
Source of image: Edited from Freepik