Foreign Entrepreneur's Guide to Hong Kong Business Accounts

Setting up a company in Hong Kong is often the easy part. Opening a business account as a foreign entrepreneur is where most people get stuck. Long waits, vague rejections, in-person meetings, and unclear requirements are still very common, especially with traditional banks.

In this video, Bertrand from Statrys breaks down what is really happening behind the scenes when foreigners apply for Hong Kong business accounts. He explains why banks have become so cautious, what “de-risking” actually means for small businesses, and which options make sense in 2025 if you are running your company remotely.

Rather than focusing on theory, this video walks through the real paths available today, what documents are actually required, and how many entrepreneurs avoid unnecessary delays by choosing the right setup from the start.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional Hong Kong banks are rejecting foreign-owned companies more often
• What “de-risking” means and how it affects non-resident founders
• The real timeline for opening an account with a traditional bank vs a fintech
• The core documents every foreign entrepreneur must prepare
• When extra certifications or source-of-funds checks apply
• Why fintech providers can approve accounts faster and fully online