Financial services platform Airwallex has released its third annual trade report, Hong Kong Trade’s New Frontier: From Adapting to Leading, co-published for the first time with HKTDC. The survey, conducted between March and April 2026 among 462 cross-border companies, shows that Hong Kong’s cross-border traders are shifting from simple digitalisation toward technology-driven transformation.
The report finds that AI adoption among cross-border traders surged from 25% to 79% within 12 months. More than two-thirds (67%) of companies plan to further increase their use of AI, integrating it into finance, operations, procurement and other areas. Only 1% expect to reduce usage.
Around 60% of companies have already adopted cross-border transaction fintech solutions, with the adoption rate roughly tripling over the past year. The main drivers are cost reduction (60%), faster payments (48%) and improved financial transparency (36%).
Nearly 80% of traders expect to expand online procurement channels. The “on-demand procurement” model has risen from 15% to 29%, with hybrid online-offline models emerging as a new trend. Although the jewellery sector previously lagged in technology adoption, it now leads in future intent, with 37% currently evaluating fintech solutions — highlighting significant transformation potential in traditional industries.
Airwallex Asia-Pacific General Manager Arnold Chan said: “Hong Kong companies are reshaping their operating models through AI and fintech, building more integrated, secure and scalable architectures to seize new global trade opportunities.” Future competitive advantage will lie in effectively integrating AI, fintech and data capabilities to create more agile, intelligent and resilient cross-border trade models.
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