At Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026, Bybit co‑founder and chief executive Ben Zhou outlined how artificial intelligence, asset tokenisation and a more interconnected financial infrastructure will reshape the future of finance. Speaking during a main‑stage fireside chat titled “Bridging the Divide: The Next Chapter of TradFi & Crypto Convergence,” Zhou argued that the next phase of financial services is not a competition between traditional finance and crypto, but a collaborative integration that offers users seamless access to digital assets, conventional markets, payments and savings.

AI as an operational catalyst

Zhou said AI is moving beyond data provision toward initiating financial actions, which will require platforms to implement stronger permission controls, enhanced monitoring and refined user‑level safeguards. He emphasized that while AI can boost efficiency and broaden market access, it also raises new risk vectors that must be managed through rigorous security protocols.

Tokenisation beyond the blockchain entry point

According to Zhou, placing assets on‑chain is only the first step toward broader adoption. He noted that successful tokenisation depends on clear investor rights, reliable custody solutions and sufficient market liquidity to inspire confidence among participants.

Infrastructure, security and compliance

The Bybit CEO stressed that the benefits of a more connected financial ecosystem must be balanced with robust risk‑management frameworks and adherence to regulatory requirements. He positioned Bybit’s role as a secure intermediary that embeds compliance and local accountability into its services, aiming to protect user confidence as the platform expands beyond pure trading functions.

What to watch next

Industry observers will monitor how Bybit translates these strategic priorities into product rollouts, particularly AI‑driven trading tools and tokenised asset offerings. Regulatory responses in key jurisdictions, especially Hong Kong where Bybit is not currently licensed, will also shape the pace of integration between traditional finance and crypto services.