Hang Seng Bank's market-first e-passbooks to facilitate financial inclusion
發佈日期: 2026-04-09 20:06
TVB News
A major local bank has launched a market-first e-passbook for banking accounts, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional banking and mobile tech -- especially for their elderly customers.
For generations in Hong Kong, these well-worn bank passbooks tell the story of a lifetime of savings.
Now, this physical staple of everyday banking, which remains a trusted companion used by more senior customers, might be entering a digital age.
The e-passbook -- marking a first in Hong Kong markets -- uses near-field communication or NFC, allowing users to check balances and transaction records with a simple tap on their phones.
Head of Retail Banking and Wealth, Hang Seng Bank RANNIE LEE: "Whenever you want to look at the balance, check out the balance or the transaction details, you can just take out the NFC and then tap it to the designated phone. And the information will appear on the phone."
The bank says the product is designed to replicate the familiarity of traditional passbooks but also facilitate their senior customers' digital transition with simple interfaces and larger fonts.
RANNIE LEE: "The objective is, I mean, to make it feel like a paper-passbook-alike experience."
The launch also comes as Hong Kong pushes to develop its "silver economy" -- aligning with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's efforts to promote financial inclusion and accessibility.
Security, they say, is also a key feature. Each passbook is linked to just one single mobile device, and activation requires in-person identity verification at a branch.
