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DeFi, AI, and the Law: Research Happy Hour Explores the Future of Finance and Technology

27 May, 2025

Faculty and scholars gather at HKBU School of Business Research Happy Hour – an evening of vibrant exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and forward-thinking ideas at the intersection of finance and technology. Faculty and scholars gather at HKBU School of Business Research Happy Hour – an evening of vibrant exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and forward-thinking ideas at the intersection of finance and technology.

The HKBU School of Business hosted its latest “Research Happy Hour” on 21st May 2025, continuing to provide a relaxed and collegial space for faculty to connect, share ideas, and build interdisciplinary ties. The event serves as a valuable platform for fostering informal academic exchange and strengthening the research community within the School.

Prof. Amanda AW YONG from the Department of Accountancy, Economics, and Finance (AEF) illuminated the rapidly evolving world of Decentralised Finance (DeFi). She introduced DeFi as a fast-evolving alternative to traditional financial systems, driven by transparency and powered by smart contracts. While highlighting DeFi's potential to democratise finance, Prof. YONG also delved into the inherent risks, from vanishing platforms to the speculative frenzy of over-collateralised borrowing. She discussed the accounting challenges of valuation and legitimacy, along with the role of off-chain governance tools like Snapshot, which allow communities to deliberate and refine proposals before they are implemented on-chain.

Shifting gears, Prof. Liang ZHAO from the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS) explored the power of online platforms and the rise of large language models (LLMs) in specialized domains. Using Alibaba Express as a case study, he demonstrated how a seemingly simple policy change can ripple through the ecosystem, impacting vendor costs, consumer satisfaction, and ultimately, platform governance. Prof. ZHAO then unveiled an innovative project: a COVID-specific legal language model, meticulously crafted with legal experts to navigate the complexities of pandemic-related law. This innovative tool promises to empower legal professionals, particularly smaller firms, by offering AI-driven efficiency tempered by expert oversight.

The evening was further enriched by the presence of guest discussants Prof. Janja BRENDEL from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Prof. Zhiwei SU from Lingnan University. Their contributions sparked lively debates and fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas.

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