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A Diamond is Forever And Lane Crawford Launch “The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series”

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 January 2026 – This season of giving, A Diamond is Forever joins hands with Asia’s premier luxury retailer, Lane Crawford, in paying tribute to the beauty and authenticity of natural diamonds. Together, they bring forward a shared commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and responsible sourcing.

Renowned actress Charmaine Sheh (left) and fashion trendsetter Hilary Tsui (right) are invited to the event. Charmaine and Hilary discover natural diamonds and experience how diamond detection instruments can distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds.

“The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series” the ultimate destination for bespoke natural diamond master creations in Hong Kong, launched with a line-up of activities at Lane Crawford’s flagship retail space in IFC mall. Renowned actress Charmaine Sheh, fashion trendsetter Hilary Tsui, VIPs, media members and influencers from Hong Kong and China were invited to explore exquisite natural diamond collections, thoughtfully curated by Lane Crawford.

Natural diamond workshops are held at Lane Crawford IFC, guiding guests through an immersive journey to explore diamonds from rough to polished
Natural diamond workshops are held at Lane Crawford IFC, guiding guests through an immersive journey to explore diamonds from rough to polished

This special series starts with a selection of contemporary fine jewellery brands, each offering a unique design story and a commitment to creativity and excellence. They include State Property, YEPREM, Mio Harutaka, KORLOFF and Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery. “This collaboration marks an important moment for Lane Crawford. Together with De Beers, we’re creating a destination that celebrates the beauty of natural diamonds through exceptional craftsmanship and global creativity. This exclusive space reimagines how clients engage with fine jewellery – bringing artistry, innovation, and the opportunity to design something truly personal.” Emily Wong, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Lane Crawford.

The exclusive event brought a series of interactive workshops led by experts Jodine Bolden and Samantha Sibley from the De Beers Institute of Diamonds alongside London-based multi-disciplinary artist Annette Fernando.

Left to Right: Fashion stylist Veronica Li, famous influencer Ansheles, international fashion blogger Steph Hui, actor Bruce Tong and actor and singer Chris Tong attend the natural diamond workshop to experience the extraordinary charm of natural diamonds
Left to Right: Fashion stylist Veronica Li, famous influencer Ansheles, international fashion blogger Steph Hui, actor Bruce Tong and actor and singer Chris Tong attend the natural diamond workshop to experience the extraordinary charm of natural diamonds

At the natural diamond workshop, participants gained hands-on experience on rough diamond sorting, polished diamond grading, and differentiation of natural diamonds versus synthetics. Participants also had the unique opportunity of viewing a nearby 297-carat rough diamond and kimberlite carrying a 22-carat rough diamond. Also on display was a gem called “Beating Heart”, a 0.329-carat rough diamond that features a smaller diamond moving freely inside its larger counterpart, a rarity that showcases the extraordinary conditions under which diamonds can form. This exquisite piece, recovered by De Beers Group and analyzed at the facilities of De Beers Institute of Diamonds, is recorded on the Tracr platform, giving insight into its history and heritage. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant received a natural diamond masterclass certificate from the De Beers Institute of Diamonds.

“We are pleased to partner with Lane Crawford for this special series of events to proudly recognize the enduring value of natural diamonds, and to honour the artists who continue to bring life to these creations.” says Loletta Lai, Vice President, Natural Diamonds APAC De Beers Group.

Complementing the technical insight offered by the De Beers Institute of Diamonds, artist Annette Fernando shared her art creations inspired by natural diamonds, named The Multi-Faceted Self. Through a reflective coloring workshop, Annette invited participants to explore the transformative journey of natural diamonds as a metaphor for personal growth and resilience.

The partnership between A Diamond is Forever and Lane Crawford spotlights crafted natural diamond pieces sourced and styled from around the globe, the most treasured gifts ever! These iconic legacy brands and exciting new talent alike, all centered around the timeless beauty of natural diamonds, come together at Lane Crawford, the ultimate destination for discovery, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Featured Brands

Claudia Ma Fine Jewellery
Claudia Ma, driven by a passion for modern high jewelry and an unwavering dedication to quality, founded her eponymous brand, Claudia Ma, in 2000. With a distinctive design sensibility and an eye for artistic aesthetics, she masterfully reinterprets classic themes through innovative modern expressions. Her creations have earned widespread acclaim for their signature style and exceptional craftsmanship. Over the years, Claudia has collaborated with renowned names such as Shanghai Tang, Lane Crawford, and De Beers Group Forevermark, solidifying her brand’s standing in Hong Kong’s fine jewelry landscape.

Her latest work draws inspiration from the barbell as a symbol of balance, focus, and strength. Crafted in 18k gold and accented with natural diamonds, these versatile pieces embody resilience while seamlessly elevating everyday style.

According to Claudia, “Natural diamonds and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Craftsmanship brings out the diamond’s inner brilliance, while my design presents this timeless classic in a modern way for generations to enjoy. Without this artistry, even the finest diamond remains just a hidden treasure.”

State Property
An award-winning contemporary fine jewellery label from Singapore, State Property fuses modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Founded in 2015 by a jeweller and an industrial designer, the brand draws inspiration from culture, literature, and history—bringing to life structured silhouettes in precious metals that embrace the softness of the human form.

“There’s an emotional gravity with natural diamonds that’s hard to replicate, State Property shares. “Their rarity, beauty, and resilience make them extraordinary. Each one a fragment of the earth’s story, time in a crystallised form. We’re drawn to materials that carry meaning, and diamonds embody permanence, memory, and the quiet luxury of time. At State Property, we strive to have those same qualities reflected in our own work — creating jewellery with intention, designed to endure and be cherished across generations.”

YEPREM
Known for its avant-garde creations, House of YEPREM is a family-run brand that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary diamond jewellery. With a legacy rooted in timeless craftsmanship and visionary design, YEPREM’s striking pieces are now celebrated across America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

“Natural diamonds are the ultimate expression of authenticity and endurance, virtues that mirror YEPREM’s journey and craftsmanship. Born from time, pressure, and perseverance, each diamond holds the essence of transformation and strength. Their inherent brilliance and purity transcend trends, embodying emotion and individuality. In YEPREM’s world, a natural diamond is not merely a material, it is the foundation upon which stories of resilience and radiance are told.”

Mio Harutaka
Crafted in Japan by local artisans, MIO HARUTAKA channels the beauty of Mother Nature into every design. The brand, founded in 2011, is committed to achieving diamond traceability and sustainability while maintaining exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. Harutaka shares: “Craftsmanship is essential—it accounts for almost everything. All of these details depend entirely on the skills of the craftsmen. Craftsmanship is what allows me to welcome close, hands-on appreciation, knowing that each piece will meet that level of scrutiny with confidence and beauty.”

KORLOFF
Since 1978, KORLOFF has been a symbol of true femininity—magnetic, adventurous, and bold. Renowned for crafting exquisite bespoke jewelry, each piece reflects daring designs and the unmatched artistry of French craftsmanship, showcasing the Maison’s boundless creativity and passion. “Our story began with a diamond, the Black Korloff, the largest brilliant-cut natural black diamond in the world. Its uniqueness, shaped over millions of years, continues to inspire us every day as a symbol of mystery, transformation, and the magic of nature. Natural diamonds possess an authenticity and depth that no other material can replicate. They remind us that beauty is born from time, pressure, and light, forces that mirror the creative journey behind each Korloff jewel.”

Meet the De Beers Institute of Diamonds Experts:

Jodine Bolden, Director of Education De Beers Institute of Diamonds
Jodine has previously developed her career as an operations line manager within large FMCG companies, and European HR Management roles within the luxury Health & Beauty industry where she first developed her passion for creating exceptional consumer experiences. After moving to De Beers, she worked as HR Manager for 5 years and discovered her fascination for diamonds as she supported various global functions across the De Beers estate, she then involved creating the Institute of Diamonds Education Service and developing each course that they now offer to their clients.

Since 2018 the De Beers Institute of Diamonds Education Service has provided education on a range of diamond subjects including, Rough Diamond Sorting, Polished Diamond Grading and Laboratory-Grown Detection.

Samantha Sibley, Technical Liaison Manager De Beers Group, UK
With over 30 years’ experience in De Beers’ research, development and commercial teams, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the characteristics of both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. She has been involved in the development of De Beers Group’s current and previous suites of verification instruments and currently also facilitates training and educational courses around the world on the use of these instruments for accurate screening results. Other projects involve research into irradiation and HPHT colour treatments and the utilisation of this information to develop screening processes within the De Beers grading laboratories.

Sam has a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Physics, is a diamond fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (DGA) and holds a team leader qualification from Leadership Management UK and the Chartered Management Institute. She has presented on diamond topics globally and has had first-hand experience of the diamond industry over many years through visits to mines, cutting centres, polishing factories, gemmological laboratories and tradeshows.

Annette Fernando, Commissioned Artist, “The Multi-Faceted Self” at The Forever Gifts: A Natural Diamond Series
Annette Fernando (b. 1991, London) is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator. She holds a BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins and is currently pursuing an MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she was awarded the prestigious Cultural Leaders Scholarship.

Fernando’s artistic repertoire spans drawing, printmaking, painting, and film. Fernando’s current work is driven to immortalise natures scenes, capturing the beauty of moments often overlooked through various mediums. Fernando’s work has garnered significant recognition, including winning the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2014 and selections for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2021 and 2023. Her pieces are held in public and private collections across the USA, France, Hong Kong, and the UK.

Hashtag: #adiamondisforeverhk #lanecrawford #adiamondisforever #theforevergifts #naturaldiamonds #diamonds




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal

opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

About Lane Crawford

Founded in 1850, Lane Crawford is an iconic luxury department store, with a mission to search the world for the most exciting talent and product, to create the ultimate luxury edit of fashion and lifestyle for its customers across Greater China. Featuring the largest own-bought designer portfolio across Womenswear, Menswear, Beauty & Wellbeing,

Home and Lifestyle, and Fine Jewellery in the region, Lane Crawford constantly evolves its product, experience, and services offer to embrace the most innovative and relevant designers and exceptional craftsmanship of the season, and to reflect the dynamic pace of its market and customers.

With four stores in Hong Kong; and three stores across Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, supported by a global digital flagship, and a purpose-built ecommerce site for China and WeChat store, Lane Crawford is Greater China’s first and only omni-channel luxury fashion retailer. Each store is personalised to its location and designed to provide sensory experience, fusing fashion, design, art and music, while offering exceptional service.

Lane Crawford is a part of The Lane Crawford Joyce Group, Asia’s premier fashion retail, brand management and distribution group, which also includes cutting-edge fashion boutique Joyce; and fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brand management and distribution business ImagineX Group.

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Cregis to Explore the Next Phase of Digital Finance at Consensus Hong Kong 2026

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2026 – As stablecoins, AI, and automated systems increasingly enter real-world finance and payments, digital asset infrastructure is approaching a critical inflection point. Enterprise blockchain infrastructure provider Cregis has announced it will participate in Consensus Hong Kong 2026, taking place February 10–12, where it will engage with industry peers on the evolving role of stablecoins, enterprise asset management, and emerging technologies in financial systems.

Attendees can visit Booth 1808 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to explore Cregis’ infrastructure offerings, including its crypto payment engine, self-custody MPC wallet infrastructure, and enterprise-grade self-custody solutions. According to the team, the event represents not just an industry appearance, but an opportunity to observe and contribute to a deeper question: how crypto assets can meaningfully integrate into real financial systems.

Digital Assets Enter Business Operations

Over the past few years, much of the industry conversation has centered on issuance and trading. But as institutional participation accelerates, the focus is shifting toward a more complex challenge: how digital assets are operated in secure, compliant, and efficient ways.

As financial institutions and payment companies begin using on-chain assets in real business workflows, asset management is no longer just about private key security. It becomes a system-level problem involving multi-party coordination, permission design, auditability, and risk governance.

Against this backdrop, Cregis plans to focus on:

  • The security and coordination requirements of enterprise asset management in stablecoin and payment use cases
  • How permissions, accountability, and auditability should function across multi-team, multi-system operations
  • How automation and intelligent systems are redefining the requirements for underlying asset infrastructure


Stablecoins Move to the Center of Financial Infrastructure

Consensus Hong Kong 2026’s agenda reflects a broader industry shift. Compared with previous years, stablecoin-related discussions have expanded significantly, with the focus moving from whether stablecoins are viable to how they scale.

Topics around cross-border payments, settlement efficiency, liquidity movement, and regulatory frameworks are increasingly seen as the connective layer between crypto-native systems and traditional finance. For many industry participants, this marks a transition: crypto assets are no longer viewed primarily as speculative instruments, but as emerging components of financial circulation infrastructure.

AI, Automation, and Crypto Enter the Execution Phase

Beyond stablecoins, the convergence of AI, robotics, and crypto has emerged as another defining theme at Consensus 2026. Rather than focusing on conceptual narratives, industry discussions are now centered on execution. Attention has shifted toward ensuring asset security as AI agents operate autonomously, clarifying responsibility and authority when automated systems participate in economic activity, and rethinking how financial infrastructure must evolve as enterprise systems themselves become economic actors.

Together, these discussions reflect a broader industry shift: technological convergence is moving decisively toward real-world deployment, marking a transition from storytelling to implementation.

The Debate Has Shifted

Disagreements around the future of crypto adoption remain. But the nature of the debate has changed. At Consensus Hong Kong 2026, the discussion is less about whether crypto will be adopted, and more about:

  • What form adoption will take
  • Whether infrastructure will become invisible to end users
  • Who bears systemic risk, and who defines operational rules

In this context, the maturity of infrastructure is emerging as a key determinant of where the industry goes next.

Observing and Participating in an Inflection Point

The industry is transitioning from “exploring possibilities” to “building durable systems.” The evolving themes at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 are a clear signal of that shift.

As stablecoins, digital assets, and intelligent systems move deeper into real financial and commercial environments, the resilience, controllability, and compliance-readiness of infrastructure will determine how far adoption can go. During the event, Cregis will engage with participants across payments, financial institutions, and Web3, while continuing to focus on the evolution of enterprise digital finance infrastructure.

Cregis aims to provide enterprises with end-to-end digital asset management and operational infrastructure. By building security-first, flexible, and compliance-oriented systems, the company seeks to abstract complex onchain operations into standardized solutions that enterprises can easily integrate and manage — helping institutional clients navigate this industry transition with confidence.
Hashtag: #consensus2026 #cregis #Stablecoins


is a global provider of enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure, delivering secure, scalable, and compliant solutions for institutional clients.

Its core offerings—MPC-based self-custody wallets, Wallet-as-a-Service, and a robust Payment Engine—help exchanges, fintech platforms, and Web3 businesses manage digital assets with confidence.

With over 3,500 businesses served globally, Cregis empowers businesses to accelerate their Web3 transformation and unlock new digital asset opportunities.

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HKCSS Releases Inaugural Data on Caring Business Practices in Hong Kong

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3,500 Companies Recognized; Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as New Benchmark for Friendly Workplaces

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – 22 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) held the 2024/25 Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended as the Guest of Honour. This year, a total of 3,500 caring companies and organisations were recognised.

The Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony cum Release of the Caring Business Achievements Overiview concluded successfully today, Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare (centre), joined HKCSS management for a group photo.
From left:Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive Of HKCSS
Mr. CHAN Tsz Ming, Director, Analysts at Level 1, Department of Social Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR
Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho Ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS
Mr. CHAN Charnwut, Bernard, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS
Ms. CHAK Tung Ching, Yvonne, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS

For the first time, HKCSS released the major findings from the Caring Business Achievements Overview, providing an in-depth look at corporate trends in addressing social issues such as population ageing, workforce challenges, and climate change across four key pillars: Partnership, Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.

Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, congratulated the businesses and organizations recognized by the Caring Company Scheme. He emphasized that building a compassionate society requires collaboration with the business community, which plays a vital role alongside government and non-governmental efforts. By prioritizing employee welfare, employers not only uplift families but also drive growth, attract talent, and foster mutual benefits. Mr. SUN called upon the business sector to engage more proactively in this initiative, fostering a collective commitment to building a more caring society for all.

3,500 companies were commended today; top performers were awarded logos representing leading levels of performance.
3,500 companies were commended today; top performers were awarded logos representing leading levels of performance.

24 Years of Deep-Rooted Partnership: 28% of Collaborations Last 10 Years or More

The Caring Company Scheme has been running for 24 years. The Revd Canon the Hon. Peter Douglas KOON, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKCSS, stated in his speech: “The Scheme underwent a significant revamp recently to localise international sustainability frameworks. Through our inaugural data analysis, we can observe the business sector’s overall performance in tackling challenges like population ageing and climate change. We hope these trends will guide companies to transform a culture of care into concrete business decisions.”

Data indicates that business-social partnerships have built a solid foundation. Over 70% of companies have maintained partnerships with community partners for three years or more, while 28% have sustained collaborations for over a decade, reflecting a commitment to long-term stability in cross-sectoral collaboration.

104 companies were recognised as Caregiver-Friendly for their outstanding support measures.
104 companies were recognised as Caregiver-Friendly for their outstanding support measures.

New Frontier in the Workplace: Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as a Key Focus

Corporate performance in supporting caregivers has become a focal point. Data reveals that over 80% of companiess have popularised flexible work arrangements, and 104 companies received special “Caregiver-Friendly” commendations for their outstanding support measures this year.

Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive of HKCSS, observed several innovative cases: “Some companies have implemented eight weeks of fully paid adoption leave, five days of leave for only-child caregivers, and even ‘Grandchild Leave’. Others provide patient companion service. Supporting caregivers does not necessarily require massive financial investment; as long as it starts from the employees’ needs, the possibilities for caring business are endless.”

Five Key Recommendations: From “Ad Hoc Actions” to “Policy Integration”

While companies excel in charitable donations and active participation, there is room for improvement in environmental data tracking (currently at approximately 30%) and workplace diversity. Consequently, HKCSS proposes five key recommendations:

  1. Deepen Caring Standards: Treat the Caring Company Scheme indicators as operational benchmarks to establish a systematic socially responsible business model.
  2. Promote Professional Sharing and Responsible Procurement: Encourage management to join NGO boards as volunteers to provide professional support and integrate NGO products into corporate procurement supply chains.
  3. Build Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces: Actively employ disadvantaged groups to tap into new talent pools and implement flexible work to support working caregivers.
  4. Sustain Investment in Talent Development: Recognize talent as a driver of economic growth, enhance staff training, and strengthen mental health support.
  5. Initiate Data-Driven Management: We recommend that companies immediately start tracking data related to sustainability performance to ensure that social initiatives are measurable and sustainable.

In 2024/25, the Caring Company Scheme received over 4,300 applications. Ultimately, 3,500 companies and organisations were recognised the Caring Company and Caring Organisation logos, comprising large corporations (42%), SMEs (51%), and organisations (7%). HKCSS emphasised that the data release aims to establish a long-term mechanism to guide the business sector in finding room for improvement and addressing future social challenges through collaboration.

Hashtag: #TheHongKongCouncilofSocialService #HKCSS #theCaringCompanyScheme #Caregiver-Friendly

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Strong wealth management and IPO pipelines to underpin Hong Kong bank growth in 2026, says KPMG

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Digital assets, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity top the transformation agenda

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – Hong Kong’s banking sector enters 2026 from a position of financial strength — well-capitalised, highly liquid, and supported by structural inflows and robust wealth management growth. Despite an evolving macroeconomic and investment environment, the sector remains well-positioned to pursue targeted growth opportunities.

KPMG’s latest report, the Hong Kong Banking Outlook 2026, expects Hong Kong banks to capitalise on the strong wealth management pipeline and a revitalised IPO market, deploying capital where risk-adjusted returns appear most attractive. The report also spotlights the key priorities for the year ahead: advancing digital assets, embracing AI innovation, and fostering closer collaboration between private banks and asset managers to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world-leading centre for offshore private wealth management.

Paul McSheaffrey, Senior Banking Partner, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “As we enter 2026, KPMG is more optimistic about Hong Kong’s banking sector. The strong performance of Hong Kong’s equity market in 2025 has significantly lifted sentiment. Recent policy initiatives, including efforts to strengthen the city’s fixed-income market and to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in ‘going global’ through Hong Kong, provide further confidence in the future. We expect increased bank investment and hiring to follow.”

Jianing Song, Head of Banking and Capital Markets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “In 2026, AI will evolve from a support tool to a core driver of competitiveness for Hong Kong banks. Banks are increasingly focused on productivity gains, on measuring ROI, and on embedding AI across operations in a way that delivers tangible benefit. In corporate banking, this shift may finally see paper, physical signatures, and batch processing phase out.”

Tokenisation moves beyond proof of concept
Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global leader in digital assets, with banks conducting real-world transactions using tokenised deposits through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble1. A wave of stablecoin licence applications is also underway, and tokenised gold is being issued. Looking ahead to 2026, KPMG expects traditional banks and the digital-asset ecosystem to move closer together. Banks will likely begin offering services such as digital-asset custody and a broader range of tokenised products as the regulatory framework becomes clearer.

Simon Shum, Head of Digital Assets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “The pace of change will only accelerate this year. Banks should focus on building their blockchain expertise, ensuring governance and controls are robust, and staying close to regulatory developments, particularly around AML, cybersecurity and risk management, as the digital asset ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly.”

Rising threats push banks toward automation-led cyber defence
As Hong Kong banks accelerate toward a digital-first future, the cyber threat landscape will remain a critical challenge in 2026. KPMG expects threat actors to increasingly leverage AI and automation to identify vulnerabilities with greater speed and precision, while attacks through third parties and the broader digital ecosystem continue to rise. For banks, this means cyber resilience will become an even more pressing board level priority. The HKMA will continue expectations around technology risk management, clear accountability for cyber risk, and the ability of banks to maintain critical services and recover swiftly when incidents occur.

Lanis Lam, Partner, Technology Risk, KPMG China, says: “As rising cyber risks, evolving technology, and shifting regulatory expectations redefine the landscape, banks in 2026 must strategically prioritise three areas: real-time threat detection, governance of third-party dependencies, and seamless integration between technology, risk, and business functions to drive cohesive and effective responses. Ultimately, automation should be a core enabler of cyber resilience, not just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for proactive defence and operational agility.”

Hashtag: #KPMG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPMG

KPMG in China has offices located in 31 cities with over 14,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. It started operations in Hong Kong in 1945. In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. In 2012, KPMG became the first among the “Big Four” in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership.

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organisation or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 138 countries and territories with more than 276,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

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