As Hong Kong actively pursues the possibility of issuing its own retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), i.e., e-Hong Kong Dollar (e-HKD), HKUST Business School announced the findings from a recent survey on the general public’s perception of e-HKD. The survey revealed that, while CBDC is a new concept, survey respondents showed a positive disposition towards adopting e-HKD for daily transactions.
Sponsored by HSBC as part of the strategic partnership earlier announced between the bank and HKUST to facilitate fintech development, the poll aimed to gauge the views of the Hong Kong general public on a host of e-HKD-related topics, ranging from the desired features of e-HKD to CBDC awareness and willingness to adopt e-HKD. Over 6,600 adults responded to the survey in a three-week period from late August 2022.
Ms. Christy YEUNG, Head of Fintech and Green Finance Projects of HKUST Business School, said that the pandemic has contributed to the fast-growing popularity of digital payment options among the local populace.
CBDC is a part of Hong Kong’s strategy to drive fintech development. The School hoped that this survey will be helpful to the city tapping CBDC’s potential in the digital era. A more comprehensive report will be released later in 2022. Learn more from the press release.
Here are some highlights of the survey findings.