Digital Financial Inclusion: Hong Kong’s Virtual Banks

Digital Financial Inclusion: Observations and Insights from Hong Kong’s Virtual Banks (Law and Contemporary Problems) By Emily Lee (University of Hong Kong) :: Duke Law

This Article examines issues affecting virtual banks, specifically those issues related to the financial technology (fintech) disruption and dealing with alternative banking and finance. It covers an expansive interpretation of Hong Kong regulatory law regarding the requirements for the authorization of virtual banks, with an accompanying study and critique of the financial industry’s collection and storage of digital data in relation to privacy, drawing inspiration from international norms.
 
It then discusses those regulations in terms of their effect on digital financial inclusion. Finally, it evaluates some potential challenges facing fintech lenders, virtual banks included, in a regulatory environment that promotes digital financial inclusion while seeking to manage financial consumerism.