DBS global survey unveils Hong Kong businesses prioritising three areas: data-driven risk management and operational efficiency, strategic remit, and optimising capital management | 繁體
Hong Kong.16 Jul 2025
Findings demonstrate a strategic shift as companies look beyond immediate global developments to plan for longer-term resilience amidst an evolving business landscape
Ensuring liquidity buffers is critical while companies embracing advancements in technology, particularly Generative AI, to transform treasury operations
Hong Kong, 16 Jul 2025 - Companies are starting to plan for the long-term effects of a shifting global landscape, even as they brace for continued rates volatility and potential supply chain reconfigurations in the near term. DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) today announced its latest report, “New Realities, New Possibilities”, revealing businesses are already recalibrating their long-term strategies to strengthen financial resilience over the next five years. Hong Kong businesses are prioritising three key areas: data-driven risk management and operational efficiency, strategic remit, and optimising capital management.
The report, which gathered insights from over 800 finance leaders, including chief financial officers and corporate treasurers, across seven sectors and 14 markets1. To better understand how finance leaders were steering their organisations amidst immediate-term developments, respondents were surveyed in two batches – before and after the US trade tariff announcements in April. The report reveals a deliberate shift toward bolstering financial resilience, emphasising the importance of liquidity management, foreign exchange strategies, and the application of financial intelligence to enable better organisational performance.
Jolynn Wong, Managing Director and Head of Global Transaction Services, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “As companies recalibrate their strategies for a changing global trade environment, the need for agility, technological adoption, and strategic foresight has never been greater. We see a clear trend where companies are not only managing risks effectively but also seizing opportunities through technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to transform their treasury functions and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. As a leading transaction bank in Asia, DBS Hong Kong continues to harness its deep expertise and cross-border network to help clients confidently navigate the complexities of growth, turning challenges into opportunities across the region.”
Boris Chan, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong businesses are entering a new phase of strategic transformation, in response to the ongoing shifts in global trade dynamics. We are seeing a clear pivot from short-term reactive measures to long-term planning, with a strong emphasis on financial resilience, capital efficiency, and treasury transformation. This marks a critical evolution in how enterprises prepare for uncertainty while positioning themselves for sustainable growth. DBS Hong Kong stands alongside our clients, supporting them in making long-term strategic moves in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.”
The external environment continues to present notable challenges, with the survey identifying inflation and interest rate volatility and geopolitical tensions as top concerns for 54% of respondents. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions (51%) and regulatory changes (41%) are also viewed as a key factor shaping business strategies in the next five years. However, amid these challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism surrounding the opportunities that new technologies and sustainability initiatives can bring. An impressive 83% of respondents see increased focus on sustainability as a major positive development, while 79% highlight the emergence of innovative technologies such as AI, machine learning and blockchain as key to future growth.
As companies explore the opportunities presented by technological innovations, many are turning to advanced tools such as Generative AI to reshape their treasury functions. The report highlights a remarkable level of optimism among Hong Kong firms, with 91% believing that AI-powered tools can support working capital efficiency. 82% see localised advisory services as vital for managing supply chain resilience and operational adaptability. A substantial 69% are actively exploring AI applications to transform and enhance treasury operations, recognising the potential of automation and data analytics to improve decision-making and execution.
With operational complexities escalating, finance leaders in Hong Kong are increasingly expanding their roles beyond traditional financial management responsibilities. They are now focusing on driving strategic initiatives such as sustainability, supply chain reconfiguration, and digital transformation. The report reveals that a significant majority (92%) of Hong Kong’s CFOs and treasurers are prioritising treasury transformation, a figure that far exceeds the global average of 73%, indicating a regional commitment to modernising financial functions. These leaders are harnessing data-driven insights to better manage risks, optimise capital, and improve operational efficiency, reflecting an urgent need to adapt in an environment marked by heightened uncertainty.
New Realities, New Possibilities is the third iteration of DBS’ ongoing thought leadership series tailored for treasury and finance professionals, building on the findings of earlier reports. Each report aims to give finance leaders a deeper understanding of the evolving demands on treasury and finance teams and how companies might capture growth opportunities amid these shifts.
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
The report, which gathered insights from over 800 finance leaders, including chief financial officers and corporate treasurers, across seven sectors and 14 markets1. To better understand how finance leaders were steering their organisations amidst immediate-term developments, respondents were surveyed in two batches – before and after the US trade tariff announcements in April. The report reveals a deliberate shift toward bolstering financial resilience, emphasising the importance of liquidity management, foreign exchange strategies, and the application of financial intelligence to enable better organisational performance.
Jolynn Wong, Managing Director and Head of Global Transaction Services, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “As companies recalibrate their strategies for a changing global trade environment, the need for agility, technological adoption, and strategic foresight has never been greater. We see a clear trend where companies are not only managing risks effectively but also seizing opportunities through technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to transform their treasury functions and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. As a leading transaction bank in Asia, DBS Hong Kong continues to harness its deep expertise and cross-border network to help clients confidently navigate the complexities of growth, turning challenges into opportunities across the region.”
Boris Chan, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong businesses are entering a new phase of strategic transformation, in response to the ongoing shifts in global trade dynamics. We are seeing a clear pivot from short-term reactive measures to long-term planning, with a strong emphasis on financial resilience, capital efficiency, and treasury transformation. This marks a critical evolution in how enterprises prepare for uncertainty while positioning themselves for sustainable growth. DBS Hong Kong stands alongside our clients, supporting them in making long-term strategic moves in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.”
The external environment continues to present notable challenges, with the survey identifying inflation and interest rate volatility and geopolitical tensions as top concerns for 54% of respondents. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions (51%) and regulatory changes (41%) are also viewed as a key factor shaping business strategies in the next five years. However, amid these challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism surrounding the opportunities that new technologies and sustainability initiatives can bring. An impressive 83% of respondents see increased focus on sustainability as a major positive development, while 79% highlight the emergence of innovative technologies such as AI, machine learning and blockchain as key to future growth.
As companies explore the opportunities presented by technological innovations, many are turning to advanced tools such as Generative AI to reshape their treasury functions. The report highlights a remarkable level of optimism among Hong Kong firms, with 91% believing that AI-powered tools can support working capital efficiency. 82% see localised advisory services as vital for managing supply chain resilience and operational adaptability. A substantial 69% are actively exploring AI applications to transform and enhance treasury operations, recognising the potential of automation and data analytics to improve decision-making and execution.
With operational complexities escalating, finance leaders in Hong Kong are increasingly expanding their roles beyond traditional financial management responsibilities. They are now focusing on driving strategic initiatives such as sustainability, supply chain reconfiguration, and digital transformation. The report reveals that a significant majority (92%) of Hong Kong’s CFOs and treasurers are prioritising treasury transformation, a figure that far exceeds the global average of 73%, indicating a regional commitment to modernising financial functions. These leaders are harnessing data-driven insights to better manage risks, optimise capital, and improve operational efficiency, reflecting an urgent need to adapt in an environment marked by heightened uncertainty.
New Realities, New Possibilities is the third iteration of DBS’ ongoing thought leadership series tailored for treasury and finance professionals, building on the findings of earlier reports. Each report aims to give finance leaders a deeper understanding of the evolving demands on treasury and finance teams and how companies might capture growth opportunities amid these shifts.
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About DBS DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
