Crypto Savvy: The Essentials

In 2019, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) granted 8 virtual banking licenses in what was considered a monumental moment for Hong Kong’s colossal banking industry. Among the licensees was ZA Bank, which would officially launch its services in March 2020 as the city’s first fully-operating virtual bank. In this episode, we caught up with Rockson Hsu, ZA Bank’s CEO, as he shares the “Genesis Story” of how ZA Bank came to be, how virtual banks bolster innovation and financial inclusion, and the customer uptake of digital banking among the city’s population.

As the CEO of ZA Bank, Rockson Hsu has close to three decades of experience in wholesale & investment banking and risk management with major foreign and local banks in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Before joining ZA Bank in 2019, he was Chief Risk Officer of a listed bank in Hong Kong, and before that he held senior roles with Hang Seng Bank and Barclays.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding blockchain, the underlying technology backing Bitcoin, Ether and other crypto, is a no-brainer to becoming crypto savvy. But blockchain is so much more than just cryptocurrencies -- its use cases are endless and has the potential to not only transform the enterprise market but also trigger a global infrastructural upgrade. 

In this episode, Anndy Lian, global thought leader and author of the best-selling book Blockchain Revolution 2030, deciphers all things blockchain. We also explore the enigmatic world that is the Metaverse, why it has been dominating headlines in 2021, and what its future holds. 

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crypto is ushering a global digital revolution, and industries have had to keep up, including traditional banking. As Director of Innovation for HSBC's Wealth and Personal Banking Business in Asia, Peter Dingle is on a mission to help HSBC become not only a digital bank, but a digital-first bank. In this episode, he talks about the need for banks to set their sights on digital growth, and push for the democratisation of wealth products accessible to all socio-economic groups.

Before joining HSBC in 2018, Peter was the creator of a Hong Kong-based corporate innovation accelerator that scouted and launched 75 start-ups into funding rounds. Prior to that, he was at Intel for 15 years, holding senior positions in product management, branding and campaign development. 

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the fifth year running, FINNOVASIA is the officially appointed organiser by the Hong Kong government of Hong Kong FinTech Week, the flagship industry event in Asia with over 40,000 attendees, 10,000 world-class speakers from more than 130 countries. In this episode, we speak to the leader and visionary behind HKFTW, Anthony Sar, as he shares the highlights and challenges of putting together this massive event, and why competition is crucial for FinTech innovation in Hong Kong.

Anthony Sar is the Founder and CEO of FINNOVASIA, one of Asia's largest and most active FinTech communities. Anthony, who worked in journalism and PR earlier in his career, also founded FinTech Club, an exclusive community for senior executives in Hong Kong since 2018. Throughout his career, he has hosted global CEO talks with international banks, VCs and FinTech companies.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The crypto landscape has seen some major developments over the years. From 2017’s ICO boom to crypto licensing regimes to the wave of institutional interest, Benjamin Quinlan, one of Asia’s leading FinTech thought leaders, unpacks the watershed moments that have shaped this industry and what else looms on the horizon.

Benjamin Quinlan is the CEO and Managing Partner of independent strategy consulting firm Quinlan & Associates. He is also the Chairman of the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK), and holds committee and board positions with numerous finance and FinTech organisations in Hong Kong. Prior to founding Quinlan & Associates, Benjamin was Head of Strategy for Deutsche Bank AG’s Equities business in Asia Pacific and its Investment Bank in Greater China. Widely recognised as one of Asia’s leading FinTech influencers, Ben has an extensive track record advising many of the world’s leading multi-national companies, financial services organisations, SMEs and start-ups on high-profile strategic engagements.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about tokenising your own asset? The expectations for tokenisation are similar to the enthusiastic early years of space exploration, in that the opportunities and possibilities appear endless.

In this episode, we talk to law firm DLA Piper’s go-to blockchain person Scott Thiel to understand the concept of tokenisation, how a token is created and existing examples of tokenised assets.

Scott Thiel is a Partner at global law firm DLA Piper and Head of the Technology team in Hong Kong, advising both users and suppliers of IT outsourcing service on the procurement process and complex technology transactions. He’s also the go-to-person for the firm’s information, cyberlaw and blockchain practice in Asia. In November 2020, DLA Piper officially launched TOKO, a tokenisation engine that comes with smart contract functionality and digital asset creation functionality and assurance.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[LIVE FROM HONG KONG FINTECH WEEK 2021]

NFTs have taken the crypto space by storm this year, and the traditional art market is feeling the ripple effects of “NFT mania”. In this episode, we caught up with Alexandra Yung and Frank Smits, who break down what gives an NFT its true value, how traditional art galleries and auction houses are reacting to the NFT market, and how artists can get their artwork noticed within the wider art collection community.

Alexandra Yung is the Managing Director at Macey & Sons, a boutique art auction house. Over the years, she has built up her own art collection and is passionate about helping her clients build a good portfolio of investment-grade art that offers a potential return on investment. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from CalArts, Alexandra is also a frequent public speaker on art investment in Hong Kong.

Frank Smits is an NFT art curator and collector. Born to a family of artists, he spent most of his career in the fashion industry working with some of the biggest luxury brands and designers. After he moved to Hong Kong in 2018, he became actively involved in the digital art space, managing a portfolio of NFT artists. In 2021, he launched the MetaArt Club platform with the mission of bringing together and empowering the NFT artist community.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[LIVE FROM HONG KONG FINTECH WEEK 2021]

How do you go from artwork to NFT? What does the process of tokenising your asset look like? In this episode, we peel back the curtains on the behind-the-scenes process and steps of the creation of a token, and how token generation machines like TOKO, co-engineered by DLA Piper and BCW Group, are providing asset owners an easier gateway to make their illiquid assets tradeable in ways that are normally not feasible under existing technology and regulations.

Scott Thiel is a Partner at global law firm DLA Piper and Head of the Technology team in Hong Kong, advising both users and suppliers of IT outsourcing services on the procurement process and complex technology transactions. He is also the go-to-person for the firm’s information, cyberlaw and blockchain practice in Asia.

Jeffrey Tchui is a Partner and Head of Consulting Practice at boutique FinTech strategy advisory firm BCW Group. He is the Programme Director of TOKO, a digital asset tokenisation platform co-engineered by DLA Piper and BCW Group, and the Principal Advisor of the infrastructure development for Hedera Hashgraph.

Ben El-Baz is the Head of Ecosystems at HashKey Group. Ben leads the Group’s strategic partnerships, blockchain applications and asset tokenisation projects. With over 13 years of experience in Silicon Valley, Mainland China and Hong Kong, Ben is also an Advisor to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Bank for International Settlements’ projects on tokenised financial products.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cryptocurrencies have come a long way since Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin Whitepaper. Over the past year, we’ve seen multinational institutions “crossing the chasm” to fully embrace and support the development of the space, and one of the most prominent corporate voices is “Big Four” accounting firm PwC.

In this episode, we catch up with PwC’s Crypto Leader and social media influencer Henri Arslanian, who explains the rising institutional demand in digital assets, the crypto services PwC offers, and the continued ascent of the booming DeFi ecosystem.

Henri Arslanian is PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global Crypto Leader. Based in Hong Kong, he advises many of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, investors, financial institutions and tech firms on their FinTech and crypto initiatives as well as numerous governments, regulators and central banks on FinTech and crypto regulatory and policy matters. Henri is also a key influencer in the digital asset space, and is regularly featured in prominent media outlets including Bloomberg, The Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cryptocurrency can be a daunting concept for the uninitiated. How does Bitcoin actually work? Where does it get its value? What’s the safest way to buy and trade it? These are just some of the common questions beginners are most eager to know about this space.

To kick off the Crypto Savvy podcast, we talk to Angelina Kwan, a former regulator and Senior Advisor to the Board at HashKey Group, to break down the fundamentals of digital assets and cryptocurrencies. We also discuss why regulating crypto is essential to the industry in the long run.

Angelina Kwan is the Senior Advisor to the Board at HashKey Group. Before joining HashKey Group, she has held senior management and Directorate positions with the Hong Kong Exchanges Clearing, the Securities & Futures Commissions of Hong Kong, and other multi-national and financial corporations. Angelina is also a Hong Kong Government-appointed Member for Sustainable Development, the Vice Chairman of The Women’s Foundation, and an Honorary Fellow and Director of the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute, among many other roles.

Notices & Disclaimers

• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

• This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto.

• Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast.

• By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.