AI Adoption Soars to 79%, Fintech Usage Triples as Hong Kong Traders Redefine Cross-Border Trade Models

Airwallex's report released on August 20, 2026, indicates that cross-border traders in Hong Kong are rapidly transforming through digitalization, with the application rate of AI soaring from 25% to 79% in just 12 months. At the same time, the adoption rate of fintech has also significantly increased, with approximately 60% of businesses having implemented related solutions, a threefold increase over the past year.

Report Highlights

According to the report titled "New Frontiers in Hong Kong Trade: From Reactive Adaptation to Proactive Navigation," traders in Hong Kong are actively reshaping their operational models to respond to the increasingly complex global trade environment. The survey shows that nearly 80% of traders expect to increase online procurement channels, indicating the growing prevalence of digital trading models.

The Core Role of AI and Fintech

The report highlights that AI and fintech have become core pillars of business operations and growth strategies. More than two-thirds of surveyed companies plan to further increase their use of AI, integrating it into key business areas such as finance, operations, and procurement. As the barriers to using the next generation of AI tools decrease, the scope of business applications continues to expand, with AI gradually being viewed as a long-term strategic capability.

At the same time, the adoption of fintech has become an indispensable infrastructure for modern cross-border trade, with companies primarily adopting fintech to reduce costs, accelerate payment speeds, and enhance transparency in global financial operations.

New Trade Models of Flexibility and Resilience

The survey indicates that the proportion of traders adopting a "just-in-time procurement" model has risen from 15% to 29%, demonstrating that businesses are becoming more agile in responding to market changes. Nearly 80% of surveyed companies plan to increase their use of online procurement channels in the next 12 months, a trend that reflects the efficiency of digital platforms combined with the trust of face-to-face interactions.

Digital Transformation Potential in the Jewelry Industry

The report also notes that despite the historically low technology adoption rate in the jewelry industry, it leads all surveyed sectors in future technology application intentions, indicating strong momentum for digital transformation. 37% of jewelry traders are evaluating fintech solutions, suggesting that digital financial services and technology providers will encounter significant market opportunities.

Linda Lam, Vice President of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, stated that this report reflects that Hong Kong trade is at a critical transformation stage, where technology is no longer just a tool for enhancing efficiency but a core force for improving competitiveness and driving long-term growth.