Airwallex vs Statrys for a Hong Kong company
Two multi-currency providers, compared by the questions to ask — not by a winner.
What to compare
| Criterion | Airwallex | Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory model | Verify current licensing on the official register | Verify current licensing on the official register |
| Protection of funds | Check safeguarding terms in the customer agreement | Check safeguarding terms in the customer agreement |
| Currencies | Check current product page | Check current product page |
| Local account details | Check which currencies have local details | Check which currencies have local details |
| Onboarding | Risk-based KYB | Risk-based KYB |
| Best use of this page | Shortlist questions | Shortlist questions |
We deliberately do not copy fees or currency lists into this table: they change faster than an editorial page can. Use the criteria, then read each provider’s current documentation.
A payment account is not a bank account
Do not treat a multi-currency account as interchangeable with a bank account. Confirm safeguarding or client-money arrangements, local-account details, payout currencies and the legal entity providing the service before relying on the account for payroll, tax or customer receipts.
Confirm the entity and licence
Identify the contracting entity in the terms and check its licence with the relevant regulator.
Map your flows
List the currencies you receive and pay, and the countries involved.
Check the fit
For each flow, confirm whether the provider supports it with local details or only via international transfer.
Read the restriction terms
Understand what happens to funds during a review or if the account is closed.
Questions readers ask
Are Airwallex and Statrys banks?
They are payment providers, not banks. Check each provider’s current licences and the safeguarding terms in its customer agreement.
Are balances covered by Hong Kong deposit protection?
The Deposit Protection Scheme covers eligible deposits at member banks. Balances at payment providers are protected through their safeguarding arrangements instead.
Which is cheaper?
Pricing changes and depends on currencies and volumes. Compare current tariffs against your own expected flows rather than headline rates.
Can I use either as my only account?
Some companies do, but certain Hong Kong payments and services usually require a bank account. Check your operational needs first.
Primary references
- Airwallex Hong Kong (provider page)Checked 2026-11-12
- Statrys (provider page)Checked 2026-11-12
- Customs and Excise Department (money service operators)Checked 2026-11-12
- Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584)Checked 2026-11-12
- HKMA register of authorized institutionsChecked 2026-11-12