OCTIS vs Hong Kong virtual banks for business: ZA Bank, ELE, livi, Ant, PAO and Fusion
Six of the eight licensed virtual banks offer business accounts. The catch is the Hong Kong ID.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
Six of Hong Kong's eight virtual banks take business accounts: ZA Bank, ELE Bank, livi bank, Ant Bank, PAO Bank and Fusion Bank. WeLab and Mox are personal only. They are licensed banks with deposit protection and open online, usually in a week or so. Every one needs Hong Kong ID holders as owners. ZA Bank has the most currencies. PAO Bank is built around SME lending.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | ZA Bank | ELE Bank (formerly Airstar) | livi bank | Ant Bank | PAO Bank | Fusion Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business account | Yes, international business account via licensed partners | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Owners need HKID | Directors and shareholders can live anywhere; account subject to partner approval | Yes, all owners | Yes, all owners | Yes (HKID or Mainland ID) | Yes, main owner | Yes | Yes |
| Business currencies | Multi-currency via licensed partners | 11 currencies | HKD, USD, CNY | HKD, USD, CNY | HKD, USD | HKD, USD, CNY | HKD, USD, CNY |
| Fees reported | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | About HK$1,500 prepaid, 12 months | No account fee | Not published | Not published | No monthly fee | No opening fee |
| Minimum balance | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | Not published | None | Not published | Not published | None | None |
| SME loans | Not an OCTIS product | Up to HK$4m | Not listed | Instalment loan | Up to HK$5m | Trade finance | Cross-border loan |
| Business card | Corporate card via licensed partners | Not yet | Unclear | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Best fit | Company, accounts, banking and CRM in one place | All-rounder | China remittance | Everyday spend | AlipayHK merchants | SME lending | WeChat Pay trade |
| Regulator | OCTIS is not a bank; accounts sit with licensed partners | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank |
| Deposit protection | Not an OCTIS product | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want the Hong Kong company, accounts, banking and CRM in one place instead of opening a bank account on your own.
ZA Bank
Choose ZA Bank if you want the widest set of currencies and SME loans from one licensed digital bank.
ELE Bank (formerly Airstar)
Choose ELE Bank if you send money to Mainland China often and only need HKD, USD and CNY.
livi bank
Choose livi bank if you want everyday spending rewards and an SME instalment loan, and can open a personal account first.
Ant Bank
Choose Ant Bank if your customers pay through AlipayHK and you have traded in Hong Kong over a year.
PAO Bank
Choose PAO Bank if you are an SME seeking trade finance or low-documentation loans with no monthly fee.
Fusion Bank
Choose Fusion Bank if you take WeChat Pay HK or trade with Mainland China.
What the table does not show
What a virtual bank is
A virtual bank, now also called a digital bank, is a fully licensed Hong Kong bank with no branches. The HKMA granted eight licences between 2019 and 2021. They carry the same Deposit Protection Scheme cover as HSBC: eligible deposits up to HK$800,000 per depositor per bank. That separates them from Airwallex, Statrys and Aspire, which are money service operators and not covered. This page relies on one source for the product detail, Sleek's October 2026 guide, which sells company incorporation.
The Hong Kong ID filter
Every virtual-bank business account reported here asks that owners hold a Hong Kong ID, and some ask that the company is single-layer, meaning individuals own it directly. Sleek says directors and shareholders generally need a Hong Kong ID to open online. An overseas director or a company owned by another company is usually screened out. If that is you, a traditional bank branch or a multi-currency provider is the realistic route.
Business features are thin
Virtual banks win on speed, no branches and low fees. Currency range and business cards are limited compared with fintech accounts. ZA Bank lists 11 currencies. Others list only HKD, USD and sometimes CNY. Several do not publish business fees. Check the current tariff in each app before you apply, because features change often.
Where OCTIS fits
A virtual bank account still needs monthly bookkeeping behind it. OCTIS reconciles statements from licensed virtual banks and fintech accounts alike, and we handle Hong Kong incorporation, company secretary work, profits tax and audit by a Hong Kong CPA practice. OCTIS is not a bank, does not hold your money and has no partnership with any provider here. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hong Kong virtual banks offer business accounts?
Six of eight: ZA Bank, ELE Bank (formerly Airstar), livi bank, Ant Bank, PAO Bank and Fusion Bank, per the HKMA's bank contact list and Sleek's October 2026 guide. WeLab Bank and Mox Bank are personal only.
Can a non-resident open a virtual bank business account?
Generally no. Every virtual bank business account in this guide requires the owners to hold a Hong Kong ID. Overseas directors usually need a traditional bank or a provider such as Airwallex, Statrys or Aspire.
Are virtual banks safe for business money?
They are licensed banks under the Banking Ordinance, supervised by the HKMA. Eligible deposits are protected up to HK$800,000 per depositor per bank. Fintech accounts are not covered by that scheme.
Is ZA Bank better than Airwallex for a business?
They suit different needs. ZA Bank is a licensed bank with deposit protection, 11 currencies and SME loans, but needs Hong Kong ID holders. Airwallex has cards, a payment gateway and free local transfers, and accepts overseas directors, but is not a bank.
How long does a virtual bank business account take to open?
Sleek reports most SMEs can open remotely in about a week, with no minimum balance at most banks. Timing depends on your documents and ownership structure.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.