Hong Kong Sees Record Business Registrations Amid Economic Transformation

Hong Kong has seen a record number of business registrations, with over 1.5 million local companies and 15,000 non-Hong Kong companies registered. The city's unique dual-platform function has attracted foreign investment and assisted mainland companies in exploring overseas markets. The government aims to continue working with the business sectors to develop emerging markets, create opportunities, and counter geopolitical challenges.

Hong Kong has witnessed a significant surge in business registrations, with over 1.5 million local companies and 15,000 non-local firms registered as of July 2025 [2]. This growth underscores the city's appeal as a global financial hub and its strategic role in connecting mainland China with the international market.

The city's unique dual-platform function, which combines its traditional financial infrastructure with digital innovations, has been a key driver for this growth. InvestHK, the city's investment promotion agency, has played a pivotal role in attracting foreign investment, with 1,333 companies establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong between January 2023 and July 2025. This has brought in HK$174 billion (US$22.1 billion) in direct investment and created over 19,000 jobs in the process [2].

In addition to attracting foreign investment, Hong Kong is also helping mainland Chinese businesses expand their global footprint. The city's strategic position allows it to serve as a bridge for mainland companies to enter new markets, leveraging its established financial and technological ecosystems.

The government's efforts to lure foreign investment and venture into new markets have been bolstered by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (Oases), which is expected to announce the fifth batch of strategic enterprises soon. This initiative aims to increase the total number of strategic enterprises to about 100, further enhancing Hong Kong's role as a global financial center [2].

Furthermore, the city's regulatory framework is evolving to accommodate the growing digital economy. Animoca Brands, Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong (SCBHK), and HKT have formed Anchorpoint Financial Limited, a joint venture applying for a stablecoin issuer license under the city’s new regulatory regime [1]. This move positions Hong Kong to capitalize on the potential of stablecoins, a key component of the digital asset ecosystem.

The combination of these factors—record business registrations, strategic investments, and a forward-looking regulatory environment—positions Hong Kong as a leading international financial center poised for continued growth and resilience amidst geopolitical challenges.

References:
[1] https://api.news.bitcoin.com/wp-json/bcn/v1/post?slug=animoca-standard-chartered-and-hkt-to-pursue-hong-kong-stablecoin-license
[2] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3321375/hong-kong-delve-new-markets-firms-lured-city-hits-100-leaders