Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Initiative 2025 Launches with Cross-border Expansion

• More than 350 undergraduate students to participate in third year of flagship fintech talent initiative in the Greater Bay Area, including 50 students from Shenzhen for the first time
• Themed around AI, this year’s initiative to equip participants with practical AI skills and insights relevant to the fast-evolving financial and technology sectors
• Four new corporate partners to support the growing initiative, including region-leading banks and technology companies

Hong Kong & Shenzhen – The Greater Bay Area (GBA) Fintech Talent Initiative, a flagship program organized by Bloomberg, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), and the Hong Kong United Youth Association (HKUYA), is returning in 2025 with an exciting expansion into Shenzhen. This year’s initiative 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 industry, 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 is transforming financial and technology services, equipping them for the evolving demands of the future workforce.

For the first time, the program 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 programs, participate in company visits, and attend immersive site engagements hosted by the program’s corporate partners in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

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

Eddie Yue, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said: “The GBA Fintech Talent Initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and sustainable fintech ecosystem in the region. The expansion to Shenzhen, coupled with a sharpened focus on AI, directly aligns with our vision for a digitally advanced and interconnected GBA. This program provides an unparalleled platform for students from both cities to immerse themselves in fintech advancements and acquire practical experience.”

Stephen Chua, Chairman of HKUYA, said: “We are excited by the evolution of the GBA Fintech Talent Initiative, especially its new cross-border dimension and emphasis on artificial intelligence. This program 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 Greater Bay Area.”

Bing Li, Head of APAC at Bloomberg, said: “At Bloomberg, we believe that the strength of the GBA’s financial future lies in its collaborative ecosystem and a robust pipeline of skilled talent. This initiative is a prime example of how public and private sectors can work together towards a common goal – ensuring the GBA remains at the forefront of global financial innovation. We are proud to contribute our expertise and facilitate these vital connections, driving greater social impact while fostering the talent of future generations.”

Since its inception, the GBA Fintech Talent Initiative has established itself as a key program 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 program opened on September 1, 2025. For more details, please visit the program’s website.

About Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Initiative

 Partnering with Bloomberg, the Hong Kong United Youth Association (HKUYA), and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the initiative aims to provide university students with exposure to cross-border finance programs and critical fintech developments in the region, including the opportunity to connect with leaders and experts from financial and technology companies. The program includes professional training, career coaching, and opportunities to network with industry professionals. The initiative forms part of Bloomberg’s global Corporate Philanthropy program, which works with a network of non-profit partners to ensure that more individuals from underserved communities have the relevant skills and experience for employment and entrepreneurship.

For more information on the Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Initiative, please visit https://www.bloomberg.com/company/values/philanthropy/greater-bay-area-fintech-talent-initiative/.

About Bloomberg

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