Innovation and technology including blockchain and cryptocurrencies are the focus of the 11th Asian Financial Forum held in Hong Kong. Li Jiejun has the details.

This year's 11th annual Asian Financial Forum featured a theme of "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond." Topics discussed at the two-day forum include the state of the global economy, Asia's market opportunities, and most importantly, financial technology and innovation.

CARRIE LAM HK CHIEF EXECUTIVE "Innovation and technology's applied in the financial sector are particularly exiting and powerful, raising operational efficiency, generating new business opportunities and enhancing consumer experience."

Around the world, economies are looking for new growth engines. Companies are developing new digitally led, business models. Innovation is key to accelerating growth for companies and investors in China, Asia and globally.

LI JIEJUN HONG KONG "A salon was held to foster start-up development at this year’s forum. It served as the ideal stage for new companies to present innovative business concepts and reach potential investors. Some start-ups dabbling in cryptocurrency and blockchain are in the spotlight."

Blockchain is the underlying technology of bitcoin and it's one of the hottest trends in the finance scene. It has the potential to completely transform traditional business models in a number of sectors. More and more firms have dedicated resources to integrate blockchain into their business.

ALEX NASCIMENTO, MANAGING DIRECTOR CRYPTOCAPITAL "Blockchain and cryptocurrency are going to be the future of how people see and relate to money and make financial transactions. Our company is looking to invest in blockchain products, as we see this as an opportunity to be a first mover and help companies that are going to be the future of the space, like the future Facebook and future Google of the blockchain world."

RON WILLIAMS SPIRE "I think it's early for large-scale financial systems. There are challenges around deployment, security, scalability, just like there were in the mid-90s around the Internet in the US. But these problems can get solved very quickly."

Blockchain fever is high thanks to an astronomical surge in bitcoin price. Still, experts are warning ordinary investors to be cautious.

WILLIAM GEE PARTNER, RISK ASSURANCE, PWC "The individuals who first went into this area are people who are knowledgeable of this technology. They can tell whether a crypto project or blockchain project is good or not. They can make the assessment of the risk. For average investors, they should be wary of whether they are willing to take the risk because innovative products and solutions do tend to fail."

Some insiders are optimistic that the blockchain will lead a revolution which will change money, business and the world. But some are worried that the technology is not mature enough to be part of the market infrastructure at present. LJJ, CGTN, HK.