HKMA launches Project SAGE on agentic finance, names expert group
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched Project SAGE to support the responsible development and adoption of agentic finance in Hong Kong, as the regulator moves to formalise governance around AI systems that can act on users' behalf in financial services.
Evidence and context
In a press release dated 2 November 2026, the HKMA said Project SAGE stands for “Securing Agentic Finance with Governance and Enablement.” The authority said the initiative is intended to enable practical applications of agentic finance while ensuring that a governance framework is in place. It added that, as agentic AI technologies mature, the financial industry is moving beyond internal adoption to explore how AI agents may make financial services more efficient and secure.
The HKMA said Project SAGE will focus on four areas: market development and use-case exploration; agent identity; interoperability standards; and legal and regulatory frameworks. Under market development, the authority said potential applications include business-to-consumer uses such as agentic commerce and everyday payments, business-to-business use cases such as procurement and treasury management, and machine-to-machine payments for digital services. On identity, the HKMA said it will explore approaches to verifying AI agents' identities and delegated authority, including Know Your Agent practices and authentication mechanisms. On standards, it will facilitate discussion of interoperability-related protocols to support secure and seamless interactions across the ecosystem. On regulation, it said it will exchange views on governance arrangements, liability and consumer protection.
To support the work, the HKMA has established the Agentic Finance Expert Group. The authority said the group includes stakeholders from financial institutions, technology service providers, professional service firms and academia. HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue said agentic finance “has the potential to transform how financial services are delivered and utilised,” adding that the initiatives aim to foster innovation while reinforcing Hong Kong's role in next-generation financial technology and safeguarding the stability of the financial system.
The announcement did not disclose a timetable for implementation or identify any specific pilot outcomes from Project SAGE. It also said the effort is designed to help the HKMA and industry navigate both the opportunities and the risks associated with agentic finance.