The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the banking regulator for Hong Kong, has unveiled a framework designed to steer how lenders deploy artificial intelligence as the technology grows more autonomous.
Named the “ART” Framework, the initiative centres on three pillars: Accountability, Resilience and Trust. It sets out to help banks capture the commercial upside of AI without weakening governance or operational stability. Its launch comes as AI tools gain wider reach into data, systems and workflows across the banking sector.
The framework rests on three core measures. First, the regulator has published updated Supervisory Guidance for Responsible Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, shaped by lessons drawn from the second cohort of its Generative A.I. (GenA.I.) Sandbox. Second, the HKMA is building a shared platform for AI training data alongside Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the University of Hong Kong, with the quality of that data treated as a foundational requirement.
Third, it plans to extend trials of agentic AI through the GenA.I. Sandbox++ and will soon release a discussion paper proposing a supervisory approach to agentic AI governance. That paper will examine intent-anchored accountability, a register of material AI agents and mechanisms that allow effective intervention.
The announcement coincides with the two-day “Finance + A.I. Forum”, which the HKMA is co-hosting with Cyberport on 15 and 16 October. The event marks the close of technical trials under the sandbox’s second cohort, which produced favourable outcomes. Over 60% of the use cases tested involved agentic AI, signalling strong appetite among banks for systems capable of planning and carrying out multi-step tasks within set limits and safeguards.
HKMA deputy chief executive Arthur Yuen said, “The progression from generative to agentic A.I. represents an important new stage of innovation for the banking sector. Under Fintech 2030, the HKMA is introducing the ‘ART’ Framework, which stands for Accountability, Resiliency and Trust, with the aim of providing a clear foundation for banks to develop and deploy A.I. responsibly.
By pairing innovation with clear accountability, resilient operating models and effective human oversight, banks can fully realise the benefits of A.I. while maintaining the trust and stability for Hong Kong’s financial system.”
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
