China, Hong Kong AI Spending Finance Gap Persists Despite Rising Adoption

China HK AI spending finance gap persists as more than 61% of financial institutions in mainland China and Hong Kong allocate 10% or less of their technology budgets to artificial intelligence, according to PwC.

The survey of 201 professionals and 20 interviews found firms are using AI mainly to augment staff rather than cut jobs, with applications across anti-money laundering, compliance, customer service and portfolio management.

Talent shortages and organisational rigidity remain key barriers, with only 29% reporting an AI-first culture, reinforcing the China HK AI spending finance challenge.