Hong Kong retains its position as the world’s second-most financially inclusive market, with a financial inclusion score of 71.4 out of 100 in 2026 versus a global average of 52.0, according to recent research index.

The markets at the top of the index have remained relatively consistent, led by Singapore and Hong Kong, with the city maintaining its place in the top five across every edition of the annual Global Financial Inclusion Index, conducted by Principal Financial Group and the Centre for Economics and Business Research, which ranks 42 markets based on the support provided by employers, the government and the financial system.

Hong Kong ranks second globally for government support ( score of 73.6 ) and sixth for financial system support ( score of 73.5 ), finds the index, highlighting the strength of the city’s  regulatory environment, retirement framework and financial infrastructure.

The city’s government support score is 73.6, and its financial system support score is 73.5, while its employer support score of 51.9 ranks 26th out of 42. 

The Hong Kong government’s support ranks highly for financial literacy ( third ) and the state of its public pension system ( 12th ).

Hong Kong’s financial system also provides top-tier support for financial inclusion, the index reveals, ranking first for access to credit, and in the top 10 for the number and quality of its fintech companies ( 10th ) and its enablement of business confidence ( 10th ).

This strong overall position, the index finds, establishes Hong Kong as one of the markets with the potential to become a future global fintech leader.

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A key finding in past editions of the index has been that the markets making the strongest progress in financial inclusion are also those that have invested most heavily in digital financial infrastructure, namely fintech. 

This year’s research, the index’s sponsors note, assesses which markets could be the fintech leaders of tomorrow by analyzing the extent to which markets prioritize fintech and digital financial infrastructure today, and which governments have developed the most sophisticated, detailed and forward-looking fintech strategies, and, therefore, are well placed to make leaps forward in financial inclusion in the future. 

The index analysis assesses areas including measurable targets, funding commitments, implementation plans, digital public infrastructure and the integration of artificial intelligence ( AI ) into financial services.

The research identifies Hong Kong as one of only five “next-gen leaders” globally, alongside Saudi Arabia, the UK, India and Colombia. These are markets, the index’s sponsors point out, that, if governments successfully execute sophisticated and ambitious strategies, could be well positioned to become the fintech leaders of tomorrow. Hong Kong achieved a score of 14 for its future-looking fintech strategy, tying for second among the markets assessed.

Key global findings from the 2026 index include:

• Global financial inclusion reached a record high in 2026, with overall scores rising to 52 out of 100, the highest level since the index launched. Most markets improved after last year’s plateau.
• Digitalization accelerated financial inclusion gains, with financial system support emerging as the strongest drive of progress. The financial system support score increased 4.4 points to 55.3, more than double the increase in government support.
• Employer support declined for a second consecutive year, falling 2.9 points to 65.7, with decreases across 83% of markets. Economic pressures have contributed to reductions in discretionary benefits while stronger government and financial system support may be reducing reliance on employers for financial guidance.
• The perception gap is widening despite measurable progress. While financial inclusion scores have reached record levels, consumer perceptions of financial inclusion have fallen to their lowest point on record, suggesting support systems are not keeping pace with rising expectations and cost-of-living pressures.

“Hong Kong’s position as the world’s second-most financially inclusive market once again reflects the strength and consistency of the foundations that underpin its financial ecosystem,” says Thomas Cheong, Principal Financial Group’s executive vice-president and Asia-Pacific and Middle East president. “While we are seeing significant fluctuations in financial inclusion in other regions across the world, Hong Kong has remained among the top five markets in every year of the study.

“A key part of that resilience is the balance between a well-established regulatory and retirement framework and a sophisticated financial system, providing individuals and businesses with mature infrastructure through which to access financial products, services and information.”

Pushpin Singh, the Centre for Economics and Business Research’s managing economist, adds: “We have long argued there is a clear link between strong digital finance ecosystems and faster gains in financial inclusion. More digitized financial systems and stronger fintech sectors can make financial products and services more accessible and affordable, supporting greater economic resilience and even long-term growth.

“Markets investing in fintech, embedding it in national economic strategy and developing practical AI applications are, therefore, likely to build not only more inclusive economies, but stronger ones with greater growth potential.”