At present, there’s a wide range of payment platforms in Hong Kong’s financial technology market. However, how to provide customers with flexible, fast and safe financial services is an issue that needs attention from all payment platforms.
As a financial services expert, Ebury has quickly entered and rooted in Hong Kong with its competitive advantage of products and has been committed to providing customers with flexible financial services solutions. Ebury attaches great importance to its business development in the Hong Kong market, hoping to vigorously expand the Asian market through Hong Kong’s well-known position in international trade and its own advantages. Mr. Edmond Tam, the Managing Director of the Group’s Hong Kong Division – Ebury Partners Hong Kong Ltd., said at present, Ebury mainly provides SMEs in Hong Kong with high-efficiency and high-quality services in international trade. Through the platform, Ebury provides enterprises with 24-hour real time international payment services, reduces foreign currency exchange rate risks and provides financing services and credit reports up to 150 days.
According to the latest statistical report by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the global economic growth weakening and international trade measures have directly affected the total value of exports from Hong Kong to the United States. In February 2019, compared with the same month in 2018, the total value of exports from Hong Kong to the United States recorded a decrease of 20.5%. On the contrary, the total value of Hong Kong’s exports to Europe has increased significantly, which is even higher than the value of exports to the United States. The index of exports to the United States and Europe is 46.1% and 47.7%, respectively. Therefore, in the complex of the global economic transformation, the Ebury team is intended to develop the financial technology business in Hong Kong by virtue of the environmental factors and international trade advantage. At present, Ebury, as one of the largest financial technology platforms in Europe, is working closely with major banks and enterprises, and has successfully established a robust and strong business network in Europe. It is believed that Ebury’s unique business positioning can make it an international trade bridge for SMEs in Hong Kong, coordinating and facilitating the economic and trade activities between Hong Kong, Mainland China and Europe.
Sales Director of the Group’s Hong Kong Division, Ms. Prudence Lo believes that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s three major financial centers, is ranked No. 1 in Asia, which indicates Hong Kong’s decisive position in the international financial market. In addition, Hong Kong is located at the core of the China West corridor, with numerous business opportunities. The business opportunities of financial technology companies are even countless. Ebury can lead the financial technology market in Hong Kong to create a new vision.
Changes in international trade policies have increased the operational risk of Chinese exporters, prompting Chinese exporters to expand their business scope and export goods to European cities. According to statistics by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, in 2018, the total value of Hong Kong’s exports to Europe was approximately HKD380 billion, accounting for 9.2% of the total export value; and the annual total value of exports to the United States was approximately HKD350 billion, accounting for only 8.6% of the total export value. Ebury believes that in the future, the proportion of exports to Europe will be higher, and it is expected that Hong Kong and European enterprises will achieve the maximum economic benefits through the Ebury platform. In addition, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued three virtual banking licenses, which can provide a better experience for customers and promote the development and innovation of financial technology. At present, many companies encourage customers to use online payment services. Prudence believes that the electronic payment platform will surely become a major trend in the future and further enhance the quality of life of the public. On the other hand, the commodity trading market in Hong Kong is divided into the following categories, namely electronic products, clothing and clothing accessories, toys and games, textile yarns and fabrics, and food. In particular, electronic products account for 68.3% of the total commodity exports. Therefore, Ebury will be committed to strengthening cooperation with relevant manufacturers to expand its market share in the financial market in Hong Kong.
Mr. Mark Lam, Head of Desk, introduces that the selling point of Ebury’s hedging exchange rate products is the customized term by customers, which is more flexible and elastic than other companies. The term can be up to three years from four days, and both parties can set a fixed-term or an indefinite forward contract. By virtue of Ebury’s platform services, customers can easily make budget and assess costs, significantly reducing the risk caused by fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates. Customers can also enjoy real-time preferential exchange rates, reducing financial expenses and costs.
Multi-currency account is another major selling point for Ebury. Customers have independent account numbers and business identifiers after opening an account which is connected to large and small banks around the world via the SWIFT network, and can receive or pay in more than 30 currencies. Exporters can directly recover the local currency without going through complicated currency conversion procedures, which ensures accurate, safe and fast receipt of payment. In addition, merchants can easily utilize the Ebury platform to pay suppliers around the world in more than 150 currencies.
Mr. Wayne Man, Head of Desk, promotes Ebury’s financing services for SMEs. After successful establishment of contract and invoices on the platform, buyers can enjoy a term of payment up to 150 days, and sellers can receive payment up to 120 days in advance. The provision of a credit line of 15 million facilitates flexible use of working cash to match the best investment plan for both parties. Ebury can also provide credit search for European buyers, which increases transaction transparency and confidence, and reduces the risk of non-performing loans.
Ebury attracts enterprises with a very low transaction fee, charging a monthly transaction fee of 0.15% to1.5%, which is superior to the average annual interest rate of 1.8% to 18% provided by other typical payment platforms. Ebury does not have a guaranteed line of credit and hidden fees, and only charges interest on the limit already withdrawn. The simple and transparent online trading platform allows enterprises to control all international trade under the same roof, enabling fast, safe and direct payments. With the support of Ebury financial platform, SMEs or start-up customers can get access to the international trade market, taking a big step towards the world.
Source: ACN Newswire
