Internal testing and cross-bank testing will be conducted in the coming months, said HKMA. Both banks and stored value facilities operators can participate in the system, which supports the use of mobile phone numbers or email addresses for payments in Hong Kong dollar and renminbi anytime and anywhere.
The faster payment system is one of HKMAs seven initiatives to introduce a range of financial technologies in the new era of smart banking.
As of februry 2018, HKMAs Fintech Supervisory Sandbox scheme had tested 29 new technology products. HKMA launched the scheme in September 2016, allowing banks and their partner technology companies to conduct pilot trials of their financial technology initiatives.
The Fintech Supervisory Sandbox scheme involved a limited number of participating customers without needing to achieve full compliance with HKMAs supervisory requirements. Out of the 29 cases, 19 pilot trials have been completed, and the products have subsequently been rolled out.
The arrangement enabled banks and tech companies to gather data and users feedback which allowed lenders to make refinements to their new initiatives. The process enabled banks to expedite the launch of new technology products, and reduce the development cost. HKMA also published guidelines on the authorization of virtual banks for public consultation until March 15th. It said a number of local and overseas companies have expressed interest to set up virtual banks in Hong Kong.
The HKMA has also set up a task force for its Banking Made Easy initiative that will work with the banking industry to minimize regulatory frictions in customers digital experience, including remote onboarding, online finance and online wealth management.
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