SuperCharger pooled 277 applications from 43 countries, a record number that reflects the appeal of Hong Kong as a base for Fintech companies. Of the application pool, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the most popular technology sub-sector, followed by Regulatory Technology (RegTech). The majority of the cohort are revenue-generating, mature-stage companies seeking to expand into Asia. Standard Chartered, the Main Partner of SuperCharger who has supported the programme since its founding, welcomes the new cohort. With its focus on human-centered banking, Standard Chartered is excited to explore the solutions developed by the cohort to elevate its banking services to the next level.

Carol Hung, Chief Information Officer of Standard Chartered Hong Kong said: “Our partnership with SuperCharger has been a great success in the past two years. Our deep experience in banking, combined with innovative ideas from Fintech companies, has created opportunities for the bank to deliver more cutting-edge technologies and services for our customers. We are very excited to be the Main Partner of the programme and look forward to working with the top finalists this year.”

SuperCharger complements Hong Kong’s innovation agenda by connecting leading local and global Fintech companies with financial institutions. The local authorities have been actively facilitating Hong Kong’s transition into smart banking in an effort to build the city as a global Fintech hub. InvestHK, as one of the Hong Kong’s main drivers of Fintech initiatives, has assisted numerous Fintech companies establish their presence in Hong Kong in addition to hosting key entrepreneurship events such as the upcoming StartmeupHK Festival 2018 and the annual Hong Kong Fintech Week.

Charles D’Haussy, Head of Fintech, InvestHK said: “SuperCharger’s programme is a perfect example of Hong Kong’s organic Fintech ecosystem. Led by the private sector and supported by Government, this cohort of companies now have the opportunities to thrive in an environment highly conducive to expanding and scaling.”

Janos Barberis, Founder of SuperCharger said: “We are proud to advance the regional Fintech agenda. Thanks to our team’s effort and the continuous support from Standard Chartered. Our third cohort represents an ideal mix of companies that can deliver immediate benefits to retail consumers as well as support Hong Kong’s vision of smart banking.”

The 10 finalists for SuperCharger 3.0 are (alphabetical order):
1. AIZEN (Korea) - Credit Scoring and Management with Artificial Intelligence
2. cyberProductivity (Poland) - SME Accounting with Artificial Intelligence
3. Enforcd (United Kingdom) - Regulatory Intelligence (RegTech)
4. Exate Technology (United Kingdom) - Data Privacy Management (RegTech)
5. FundPark (Hong Kong) - Trade Finance for SME
6. gini (Hong Kong) - Personal Financial Management
7. Investment Navigator (Switzerland) - Wealth Advisory
8. Know Your Customer (Ireland) - Client on-boarding
9. Mindbridge AI (Canada) - Financial Auditing with Artificial Intelligence
10. vPhrase (India) - Analytics and Insights

Please refer to the Appendix on p.4-5 for more information on each company.
The finalists will participate in the 12-week curriculum, during which they will gain access to expert advice in market developments, obligations and investment opportunities, as well as opportunities to explore partnerships with Standard Chartered. The programme also leverages SuperCharger’s extensive network of supporting partners, among which are Baker & McKenzie, Arbor Ventures, InvestHK, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Temenos.

The 2018 programme will officially launch on 19th March 2018 and conclude with a Demo Day in June.