The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated 51³Ô¹ÏÍø¡¯s adoption of digital technology, according to Group Chief Executive Noel Quinn.

Speaking at Hong Kong Fintech week, Mr Quinn said the bank¡¯s employees had rapidly embraced new ways of serving customers during the crisis.

¡°When COVID hit the world, our own balance sheet ¨C our lending assets ¨C grew by USD40 billion in the space of about eight to nine weeks,¡± he said. ¡°And that was all done by homeworking and our colleagues executing their job at a time of high stress.¡±

Adapting to a new world (duration 3:58) Noel Quinn tells Hong Kong Fintech Week how 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is using digital tools to enhance the personal service it gives to customers

Mr Quinn said that 51³Ô¹ÏÍø was building digital banking capabilities comparable with any fintech or competitor ¨C and using those new digital tools to support and enhance the personal service its employees have always provided to customers.

¡°That is a powerful combination,¡± said Mr Quinn. ¡°I still believe that having a relationship with an individual that is supported through very effective digital interaction is the best of both worlds.¡±