Since Cyberport launched the FinTech Anti-epidemic Scheme for Talent Development (FAST) in July to spur full-time new recruit, over 400 applications have been received in which close to 150 were approved.  Ranging from fledgling start-ups to established FinTech enterprises, these applications span such diverse FinTech segments as InsurTech, payments, financial data analytics, and RegTech, involving jobs from junior to middle level positions.
Feedback from some of the approved companies that successfully recruited new staff is largely positive.                                                              
Local virtual insurer and Cyberport incubatee OneDegree found the application process to be easy and smooth. “Our application was promptly followed up by designated personnel after submitting the relevant supporting documents and job details,” said Arthur Lee, the company’s Chief Executive. “Our business has not been significantly affected by the pandemic, rather, we are hiring more staff to meet the market’s growing demand for digital insurance products.” Using FAST’s subsidy, OneDegree has hired a product manager with traditional insurance background, who was attracted by the prospects of virtual insurance.

Another Cyberport start-up Mojodomo, which operates a customer loyalty platform imbued with financial technology, applied for the subsidy to hire an extra pair of hands to help the company sustain its business. “We paused hiring after the pandemic outbreak as we were concerned about COVID’s economic impact, but decided to try FAST and our application was approved within three weeks,” said Dennis Shi, Founder and CEO.

KeyChain Pay, a community company at Hong Kong Science Park which develops a smart rental payment platform, also hired a junior app developer to work on its app and website leveraging the benefits of FAST.

Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport said, “we are glad that that the industry is responding favourably to this initiative that offers timely and impactful support to FinTech companies large and small during this challenging time. FinTech is making significant contribution to Hong Kong’s economic development, and FAST will help generate sustainable job opportunities and enrich Hong Kong’s FinTech talent pool for the industry’s long-term growth.”
FAST will be accepting applications until 2 July 2021. Visit the FAST website for more details.