As a licensed digital bank in Hong Kong, Airstar Bank is dedicated to making cutting-edge financial services accessible to everyone. Backed by prominent shareholders Xiaomi Group and Futu Group, Airstar Bank is driven by a core principle of “customer first”, continuously updating products and services according to market demand and technological development to enhance user experience.
In 2023, Airstar Bank launched Stellar Corporate Banking, a comprehensive digital banking platform for Hong Kong enterprises including SMEs, which features fast and streamlined account opening, multi-currency support, fund transfer and dedicated relationship managers to drive financial inclusion and growth.
For launching a product that empowers Hong Kong’s small and medium businesses to grow, Airstar Bank was highly acclaimed under the Best New SME Product of the Year category at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2024, hosted by The Digital Banker in Singapore.
Solutions for growth
Launched in August 2023, the Stellar Corporate Banking platform simplifies financial management for businesses of all sizes. After only one year, Airstar Bank upgraded the service and made it easier for businesses to open accounts.
It offers a streamlined account opening process allowing corporate clients to apply for accounts online anytime and enjoy a fully digital, self-service experience. Clients only need to follow a few simple steps to fill in their information online, track the progress of their application in real-time, and upload the necessary signed documents upon approval to successfully open an account, within 48 hours at the earliest.
“Streamlined Corporate Account” aims at serving eligible corporates especially SMEs. It is dedicated to delivering a quick, convenient, and effective account opening experience for customers. By streamlining the process, the Bank has eliminated the need for traditional face-to-face meetings, allowing businesses to apply remotely and no requirement for business proof, thereby significantly reducing the time it takes to open an account.
Updated banking services
Airstar Bank’s updated product lineup includes its first bank card – the Visa Platinum Card – a debit card offering a flexible banking experience that enables cardholders to make payments and withdrawals with ease.
In a pioneering move for Hong Kong’s digital banking sector, cardholders can select their favorite card design after activating the bank card service on the Airstar Bank mobile app and add to Apple Wallet to immediately experience touchless purchases. They can also apply for a physical card directly within the app, putting the power of choice right at their fingertips. At launch, there are four distinctive card designs to choose from.
Airstar Bank states: “This launch marks a significant milestone in our business development. The introduction of customizable card designs underscores our commitment to a customer-centric approach.”
Without any warming up, the debit card has been favorably accepted in the market. The number of card activation surged to nearly 1,000 on the card launch day and was about to break 3,000 within 48 hours.
Airstar Bank places utmost importance on the security of customer data and privacy. Sensitive details such as the card number, CVV, and expiry date are not printed on the physical Visa Platinum Card. Instead, they are securely stored within the Airstar Bank app. In case of a lost card, cardholders can instantly lock it using the “One-Click Lock Card” feature on the bank card page within the app, thereby preventing unauthorised use.
For individuals, Airstar Bank collaborated with WeRemit of Tencent Financial Technology, to offer cross-border remittance services (currently only to the People’s Republic of China), allowing customers to enjoy the delights of instant transfers and spending straight from the mobile app to the Mainland’s e-wallet (WeChat Pay).
Meanwhile, Airstar Bank remains enthusiastic about fintech innovations. In September 2024, Airstar Bank partnered with Mastercard and KBank to participate in Phase 2 of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) e-HKD Pilot Programme, exploring how e-HKD and tokenised deposits can potentially be effectively implemented in supply chain finance solutions. In July 2024, Airstar Bank took the role of reserve bank for the first participating institutions to invlove in HKMA’s Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox.
“We continue to uphold the principle of “customer first” and provides customers with more high-quality banking products and services. Our management team is deeply involved in product testing and adjustment, cares about customer’s experience, and works with the development team to optimise the details and improve the customer experience, leading to high acclaim,” Airstar Bank says.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to collaborate with the ecosystems of our shareholders and partners to enhance customer experience and create uniquely innovative digital banking products, leveraging technology to provide our users with superior financial services.”
