Question 1

What is Airstar Bank?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank is a digital bank (also known as a virtual bank) operating in Hong Kong. As one of eight virtual banks licensed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Airstar Bank delivers fully digital banking services without physical branches. The bank is backed by prominent shareholders Xiaomi Corporation (50.3% stake) and Futu Holdings (44.11% stake), with AMTD Group maintaining a minority shareholding.

Airstar Bank upholds the principle of financial inclusion and positions itself as "Everyone's Bank," making cutting-edge digital banking services accessible to customers of all wealth levels through their mobile app and online platforms.

Question 2

When was Airstar Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank was granted a banking license by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on May 9, 2019. The bank was originally established as a joint venture between Xiaomi Corporation and AMTD Group through a holding company initially called Insight Fintech HK Limited, which was later renamed to Gravitation Fintech HK Limited.

The bank launched a pilot scheme in March 2020, offering approximately 2,000 account openings to internal employees and their families. Airstar Bank officially commenced full public operations on June 11, 2020, becoming one of the first virtual banks to serve the Hong Kong market. In June 2024, Futu Holdings completed a HK$440 million investment in the bank's parent company, becoming the second-largest shareholder.

Question 3

Where is Airstar Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank is headquartered in Hong Kong at Suites 3201-07, 32/F Tower 5, The Gateway, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. As a digital-only bank, Airstar Bank operates exclusively through digital channels without physical branch locations, serving customers throughout Hong Kong.

Question 4

Where does Airstar Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank operates exclusively in Hong Kong. The bank provides digital banking services to Hong Kong residents and visitors who are physically present in Hong Kong at the time of account opening. As a licensed virtual bank under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Airstar Bank serves customers across all districts of Hong Kong through its mobile application and online banking platform.

Question 5

What services does Airstar Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank offers comprehensive digital banking services for both individuals and businesses. Personal banking services include savings accounts, time deposits, personal loans with APRs as low as 2.99%, and the Visa Platinum Card with customizable designs. The bank provides multi-currency accounts in HKD, CNY, and USD with 24/7 foreign exchange services.

Digital payment and transfer services include real-time money transfers using the Faster Payment System (FPS), Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) for interbank transfers, electronic Direct Debit Authorization (eDDA), and cross-border remittance services to mainland China through WeRemit (Tencent Financial Technology) and international transfers via Payment Connect.

Corporate banking services launched in August 2023 under the name "Stellar Corporate Banking," offering streamlined account opening (as fast as 48 hours), multi-currency support, fund transfers, and dedicated relationship managers for SMEs and larger enterprises. The bank also offers wealth management services and insurance intermediary services, with registration as a securities business provider.

All services are delivered through the Airstar Bank mobile app, which features rapid account opening (as fast as 5 minutes), one-click card locking for security, and integration with Apple Wallet for contactless payments.

Question 6

What makes Airstar Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank distinguishes itself through its "Everyone's Bank" philosophy, treating all customers as VIPs regardless of their wealth status. Unlike traditional priority banking models that focus on high-net-worth individuals, Airstar Bank historically offered competitive savings rates (such as 3.6% p.a. on the first HK$20,000) to all customers during its launch period.

The bank pioneered several innovations in Hong Kong's digital banking sector, including the first customizable debit card designs (with seven options including the Futubull mascot), and physical cards without printed card numbers or CVV codes for enhanced security. Airstar Bank successfully migrated its entire core banking system to the cloud, enabling greater agility, scalability, and resource optimization.

The bank actively participates in Hong Kong's fintech ecosystem, including serving as a reserve bank for the HKMA's Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox (July 2024) and participating in Phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Programme (September 2024) to explore digital currency and tokenized deposits in supply chain finance. Airstar Bank is a member of the Deposit Protection Scheme, protecting eligible deposits up to HK$800,000 per depositor.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Airstar Bank?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank is a licensed virtual bank (also called a digital bank) under Hong Kong's regulatory framework. Virtual banks in Hong Kong are authorized institutions under the Banking Ordinance that deliver retail banking services primarily through digital channels rather than physical branches.

As one of eight virtual banks licensed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Airstar Bank holds full banking authorization and is subject to the same prudential supervision as traditional banks. The bank operates under Bank Code 395 and is registered to conduct securities business and insurance intermediary services, making it a comprehensive digital financial institution serving both retail and corporate customers.

Question 8

What awards has Airstar Bank received?

Accepted Answer

Airstar Bank has been recognized with several industry awards for its innovative digital banking solutions. The bank received the Best New SME Product of the Year at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2024 for its Stellar Corporate Banking platform.

In 2025, Airstar Bank was honored with the Service Innovation of the Year - Hong Kong accolade at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025, recognizing its user-centric solutions including customizable card designs, cloud migration, and participation in fintech initiatives. These awards reflect the bank's commitment to innovation and customer-first approach in Hong Kong's competitive digital banking landscape.

Airstar Bank

in Hong Kong 🇭🇰

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About Airstar Bank in Hong Kong