Hong Kong Official Outlines Mutual Engagement with Middle East, Tokenized Funds Now Live on Regional Platforms

Gate News message, April 19 — Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Deputy Chief Lam Ho-him responded to growing discussions about Middle Eastern capital inflows, confirming increased inquiries from clients seeking to transfer funds to Hong Kong or open accounts locally. He emphasized that engagement between Hong Kong and the Middle East is mutual, noting that a licensed virtual insurance company has expanded operations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong's tokenized funds have launched on Middle Eastern wealth management platforms.

Lam highlighted that Asian investors can purchase Islamic bond ETFs (Islamic-compliant fixed-income securities) in Hong Kong, offering Middle Eastern investors a familiar and trustworthy market. The Hong Kong government is actively developing fintech and digital assets, with officials currently drafting legislative proposals for licensing frameworks governing digital asset trading and custody services.

The administration aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework and position Hong Kong as a global digital asset innovation hub.