The Greater Bay Area ( GBA ) Fintech Talent Initiative, a flagship programme organized by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ( HKMA ), the Hong Kong United Youth Association ( HKUYA ) and Bloomberg is expanding into Shenzhen in 2025 in a move, organizers say, that is aimed “at cultivating the next generation of fintech leaders for the GBA region and fostering crucial cross-border communication and collaboration”.

In response to strong demand from both students and the fintech industry, the organizers add, this year's initiative will operate under the timely theme of "Empowering the Greater Bay Area for an AI-driven Future."

Participants will gain practical skills and insights into how artificial intelligence ( AI ) is transforming financial and technology services, equipping them for the evolving demands of the future workforce.

For the first time, the programme will welcome 50 undergraduate students from leading universities in Shenzhen, joining their Hong Kong counterparts. Students from both cities will engage in comprehensive, cross-border training programmes, participate in company visits and attend immersive site engagements hosted by the programme’s corporate partners in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

So far, 20 leading institutions across the finance and technology sectors have confirmed their participation and commitment to the programme as corporate partners this year. Four companies are joining as new partners – Bank of East Asia, Fubon Bank ( Hong Kong ), ICBC ( Asia ) and Infini Capital Management. Additionally, Futu Securities International ( Hong Kong ), CSOP Asset Management and HSBC will be offering dedicated onsite programmes in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, further enriching the cross-border experience for students.

Since its inception, the initiative has established itself as a key programme for talent development in the region. In the past two years, the initiative has provided intensive training, mentorship and hands-on exposure to the dynamic fintech sector for more than 600 university students from Hong Kong. Applications for the 2025 programme opened on September 1.

“The GBA Fintech Talent Initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and sustainable fintech ecosystem in the region,” notes Eddie Yue, the HKMA’s CEO. “The expansion to Shenzhen, coupled with a sharpened focus on AI, directly aligns with our vision for a digitally advanced and interconnected GBA. This programme provides an unparalleled platform for students from both cities to immerse themselves in fintech advancements and acquire practical experience."

Stephen Chua, the HKUYA’s chairman, adds: “This programme is instrumental in equipping our youth with the cutting-edge skills and invaluable networking opportunities necessary to excel in the rapidly transforming fintech landscape of the GBA.”