Last updated: September 2026
Introduction
Choosing the right service provider for your Hong Kong company can significantly impact your business operations, banking access, and overall success in Asia. Two names that frequently appear in searches are Statrys and Air Corporate—but they serve fundamentally different purposes.
Air Corporate is a TCSP-licensed compliance and company formation specialist with over a decade of experience helping businesses establish proper corporate structures and open traditional bank accounts. Statrys, on the other hand, is a fintech company that provides multi-currency payment accounts as an alternative to traditional banking.
This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences, pricing structures, features, and which provider best suits your specific business needs. Whether you're incorporating a new Hong Kong company, seeking traditional banking relationships, or looking for digital payment solutions, this guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Air Corporate | Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Service | Company Formation & Compliance | Payment Accounts & Fintech |
| Founded | 2014 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Licence Type | TCSP Licence (TC008778) | EMI/Payment Institution |
| Companies Incorporated | 10,000+ | Not primary focus |
| Bank Accounts Opened | 9,000+ | N/A (offers own accounts) |
| Account Type Offered | Traditional Bank Accounts | Payment Accounts |
| Banking Partners | HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, OCBC, Airwallex, Payoneer, Aspire, Wise | Own payment platform |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.9/5 (137+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| Company Secretary | $955/year | Available (varies) |
| Incorporation Pricing | From $90 (Basic) | From ~$600 |
| Best For | Full compliance & traditional banking | Multi-currency payments |
Company Overview: Air Corporate
Background and Credentials
Air Corporate is a Hong Kong-based corporate services provider that has been operating since 2014. What sets Air Corporate apart is their own Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) Licence (Licence Number: TC008778), which is a crucial regulatory credential in Hong Kong.
Unlike white-label service providers who operate under someone else's licence, Air Corporate holds their own TCSP licence directly from the Hong Kong Companies Registry. This means they are directly accountable to regulatory authorities and must maintain rigorous compliance standards—providing an additional layer of assurance for clients.
Track Record
With over 10,000 companies incorporated and more than 9,000 bank accounts opened, Air Corporate has established significant expertise in navigating Hong Kong's corporate and banking landscape. Their 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 137 verified reviews reflects consistently positive client experiences.
Core Services
Air Corporate specializes in:
- Hong Kong company incorporation
- Company secretary services
- Registered address provision
- Traditional bank account opening assistance
- Compliance and regulatory support
- Ongoing corporate maintenance
Their strength lies in their extensive banking relationships with major institutions including HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, OCBC, as well as modern fintech partners like Airwallex, Payoneer, Aspire, and Wise.
Company Overview: Statrys
Background and Focus
Statrys is a Hong Kong-based fintech company founded in 2018. While they do offer company incorporation services, their core product is their multi-currency payment account platform. Statrys was created to address the challenges businesses face when dealing with international payments and multi-currency transactions.
Business Model
It's important to understand that Statrys operates as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) or payment services provider, not a traditional bank. This means the accounts they offer are payment accounts, not full bank accounts. While this distinction might seem technical, it has practical implications for certain types of transactions and regulatory protections.
Core Services
Statrys focuses on:
- Multi-currency payment accounts (11+ currencies)
- International wire transfers
- Foreign exchange services
- Virtual and physical business cards
- Company incorporation (secondary service)
- Basic accounting integrations
Their platform is designed for businesses that need to send and receive international payments efficiently, particularly those dealing with multiple currencies across Asian and Western markets.
Pricing Comparison
Air Corporate Pricing Structure
Air Corporate offers transparent, tiered pricing designed to accommodate different business needs:
Basic Package: $90 USD
The entry-level option includes:
- Company incorporation filing
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate
- Articles of Association
- First board minutes
- Share certificates
- Government fees included
This package is ideal for entrepreneurs who need basic incorporation without additional support services.
All-Inclusive Package: $1,070 USD
The most popular option includes everything in Basic, plus:
- Company Secretary (first year)
- Registered business address (first year)
- KYC documentation preparation
- Bank account introduction
- Compliance support
- Priority processing
Expert Package: $1,405 USD
Premium service with:
- All features from All-Inclusive
- Dedicated account manager
- Enhanced bank introduction services
- Multiple banking options exploration
- Expedited timelines
- Ongoing compliance guidance
Company Secretary Services
Standalone Company Secretary service: $955/year – essential for Hong Kong companies as it's a legal requirement to have a locally-based company secretary.
Statrys Pricing Structure
Statrys pricing focuses on their payment account services:
Company Incorporation
- Basic incorporation: approximately $600-800 USD
- Includes basic registration services
- Often bundled with payment account opening
Payment Account
- Account opening: typically free with incorporation
- Monthly fees: may apply depending on activity
- Transaction fees: vary by currency and transfer type
- FX spreads: competitive but apply to currency conversions
Card Services
- Virtual cards: usually included
- Physical cards: may have issuance fees
- Transaction fees apply
Value Analysis
When comparing pricing, consider the total cost of ownership:
Air Corporate charges more upfront for packages but includes comprehensive compliance services, company secretary, and traditional banking support. Their pricing is transparent with few hidden fees.
Statrys may appear cheaper initially but focuses on a different service model. Their incorporation is secondary to their payment platform, where ongoing transaction fees and FX spreads represent the main revenue model.
For businesses needing traditional bank accounts (HSBC, Hang Seng, etc.), Air Corporate's expertise in facilitating these relationships represents significant value, as traditional banks have increasingly stringent requirements for new account applications.
Feature Comparison
Banking vs Payment Accounts: Understanding the Difference
This is perhaps the most critical distinction between Air Corporate and Statrys, and it's often misunderstood.
Air Corporate: Traditional Banking Access
Air Corporate helps clients open accounts with regulated banks such as:
- HSBC – Global banking giant with extensive international network
- Hang Seng – Leading Hong Kong local bank
- DBS – Major Singapore-based regional bank
- OCBC – Established Singapore bank with strong Asia presence
These are full banking relationships with:
- Deposit insurance protection
- Credit facilities potential
- Full range of banking products
- Established international correspondent networks
- Recognized credibility with suppliers and partners
Air Corporate also facilitates accounts with modern fintech platforms (Airwallex, Payoneer, Aspire, Wise) for clients needing digital-first solutions alongside traditional banking.
Statrys: Payment Accounts
Statrys provides their own payment accounts, which are different from traditional bank accounts:
- Not a bank: Operates under EMI/payment institution regulations
- Payment focus: Designed for sending and receiving money
- No credit facilities: Cannot offer loans or credit lines
- Different protections: Regulatory framework differs from banking
- Multi-currency strength: Excellent for international payments
Regulatory and Compliance Features
| Aspect | Air Corporate | Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Own TCSP Licence | Yes (TC008778) | N/A |
| Direct Regulatory Accountability | Yes | Different framework |
| White-label Service | No | No |
| Compliance Expertise | Core competency | Secondary |
| KYC Support | Comprehensive | Basic |
Company Formation Features
| Feature | Air Corporate | Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation Experience | 10,000+ companies | Newer entrant |
| Company Secretary | Full service ($955/year) | Available |
| Registered Address | Included in packages | Available |
| Compliance Updates | Ongoing support | Limited |
| Government Filing | Handled | Handled |
Banking & Payment Features
| Feature | Air Corporate | Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bank Access | Yes - 8+ banking partners | No |
| Payment Accounts | Via partners | Yes (own platform) |
| Multi-currency | Via bank partners | Native - 11+ currencies |
| Business Cards | Via bank partners | Yes |
| FX Transfers | Via bank partners | Native |
| Credit Facilities | Via banks | No |
Pros and Cons
Air Corporate
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Own TCSP Licence (TC008778) - direct accountability | ❌ Higher upfront costs for premium packages |
| ✅ 10+ years experience (founded 2014) | ❌ Not a fintech payment platform |
| ✅ 10,000+ companies incorporated | ❌ Bank account opening not guaranteed |
| ✅ 9,000+ bank accounts opened | ❌ Traditional process timelines |
| ✅ 4.9/5 Trustpilot (137+ reviews) | |
| ✅ Traditional banking relationships (HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, OCBC) | |
| ✅ Multiple banking partner options | |
| ✅ Comprehensive compliance support | |
| ✅ Transparent pricing structure | |
| ✅ Local Hong Kong expertise |
Statrys
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Strong multi-currency payment platform | ❌ Payment accounts, not bank accounts |
| ✅ Quick digital account opening | ❌ No traditional banking relationships |
| ✅ Competitive FX rates | ❌ Cannot offer credit facilities |
| ✅ Modern user interface | ❌ Incorporation is secondary focus |
| ✅ Business card options | ❌ Different regulatory protections |
| ✅ Good for international payments | ❌ Less established track record |
| ❌ May not be accepted by all counterparties | |
| ❌ Limited to payment services |
Who Should Choose Air Corporate?
Ideal Client Profile
Air Corporate is the right choice if you:
Need Traditional Banking Relationships If your business requires accounts with established banks like HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, or OCBC, Air Corporate's expertise and relationships are invaluable. Traditional bank accounts provide credibility with suppliers, clients, and partners who may be hesitant about payment accounts.
Value Regulatory Compliance With their own TCSP Licence (TC008778), Air Corporate offers direct regulatory accountability. For businesses in regulated industries or those with strict compliance requirements, this credential matters.
Want Comprehensive Support If you prefer a one-stop solution for incorporation, company secretary, compliance, and banking support, Air Corporate's packages deliver end-to-end service.
Require Credit Facilities Traditional banks can offer overdrafts, trade finance, letters of credit, and business loans—services not available through payment account providers.
Plan Long-term Hong Kong Presence Businesses building a substantial Hong Kong operation benefit from Air Corporate's comprehensive corporate services and ongoing compliance support.
Have Complex Corporate Structures Holding companies, multi-entity structures, or businesses with complex ownership benefit from Air Corporate's 10+ years of experience handling sophisticated arrangements.
Who Should Choose Statrys?
Ideal Client Profile
Statrys is the right choice if you:
Primarily Need Payment Services If your main requirement is sending and receiving international payments efficiently, Statrys's payment platform is purpose-built for this.
Deal With Multiple Currencies Businesses regularly transacting in 11+ currencies can benefit from Statrys's native multi-currency features and competitive FX rates.
Want Quick Digital Onboarding If speed is priority and you're comfortable with a digital-first experience, Statrys offers faster onboarding than traditional banks.
Don't Require Traditional Banking If you don't need credit facilities, established banking relationships, or deposit insurance, Statrys's payment accounts may suffice.
Run a Digital-first Business E-commerce businesses, digital service providers, and freelancers who primarily need to move money internationally may find Statrys suitable.
Are Cost-sensitive on Transactions If your business model involves high-volume international payments, Statrys's competitive transaction pricing may offer savings versus traditional bank fees.
Our Verdict
The choice between Air Corporate and Statrys depends entirely on your primary business needs.
Choose Air Corporate if you need a comprehensive corporate services provider with genuine regulatory credentials, traditional banking access, and proven compliance expertise. Their TCSP Licence (TC008778), 10,000+ incorporations, and 9,000+ bank accounts opened demonstrate a track record that matters when navigating Hong Kong's complex business environment. The 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating reflects genuine client satisfaction.
Choose Statrys if your primary need is a multi-currency payment platform and you're comfortable with payment accounts rather than traditional banking. Statrys excels at international payments but is a different type of service provider.
Our recommendation: For most businesses establishing a Hong Kong presence, starting with Air Corporate for incorporation, compliance, and traditional banking—then adding Statrys or similar fintech solutions for specific payment needs—provides the strongest foundation. Traditional banking credibility combined with modern payment efficiency is often the optimal combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between Air Corporate and Statrys?
Air Corporate is a TCSP-licensed corporate services provider specializing in Hong Kong company formation, compliance, and facilitating traditional bank account opening. Statrys is a fintech payment platform that offers multi-currency payment accounts. The key difference is that Air Corporate helps you access traditional banks (HSBC, Hang Seng, etc.), while Statrys provides their own payment accounts—which are not the same as bank accounts.
2. What is a TCSP licence and why does it matter?
A Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence is required by Hong Kong law for companies providing corporate formation and secretarial services. Air Corporate holds licence number TC008778 directly, meaning they are directly regulated and accountable. Some providers operate under someone else's licence (white-label), which offers less accountability. A direct TCSP licence indicates regulatory compliance and professional standards.
3. Can Statrys open a traditional bank account for my company?
No. Statrys offers their own payment accounts, not traditional bank accounts. If you need an account with HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, OCBC, or similar traditional banks, you would need to work with a provider like Air Corporate who has relationships with these institutions.
4. What is the difference between a payment account and a bank account?
A bank account is held with a licensed bank, typically includes deposit insurance, and allows access to credit facilities like loans and overdrafts. A payment account (like those offered by Statrys) is held with an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), is designed primarily for transactions, and does not offer credit facilities or the same regulatory protections as bank deposits.
5. How long does Hong Kong company incorporation take?
With Air Corporate, standard incorporation typically takes 1-3 business days once all documents are submitted correctly. Bank account opening is a separate process that varies by institution—traditional banks may take 2-6 weeks, while fintech providers are often faster.
6. Do I need a company secretary in Hong Kong?
Yes, it's a legal requirement. Every Hong Kong company must have a company secretary who is either a Hong Kong resident or a company with a registered office in Hong Kong. Air Corporate offers company secretary services at $955/year, ensuring your company remains compliant with this requirement.
7. Which banking partners does Air Corporate work with?
Air Corporate has relationships with major banks including HSBC, Hang Seng, DBS, and OCBC, as well as modern fintech platforms including Airwallex, Payoneer, Aspire, and Wise. This range allows them to match clients with appropriate banking solutions based on business profile and needs.
8. Can I use both Air Corporate and Statrys?
Yes, absolutely. Many businesses use Air Corporate for incorporation, compliance, and traditional banking, while also maintaining Statrys payment accounts for specific international payment needs. This combination provides both the credibility of traditional banking and the efficiency of modern payment platforms.
Summary
| Decision Factor | Choose Air Corporate | Choose Statrys |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Need | Corporate formation & compliance | Payment services |
| Banking Type | Traditional banks | Payment accounts |
| Credit Facilities | Required | Not required |
| Regulatory Credential | Important (TCSP Licence) | Less critical |
| Track Record | 10,000+ incorporations | Newer focus |
| Multi-currency Payments | Via bank partners | Native platform |
| Pricing Priority | Value comprehensive service | Transaction costs |
This comparison is based on publicly available information as of September 2026. Always verify current pricing and features directly with each provider before making decisions.
Air Corporate | TCSP Licence: TC008778 | Founded 2014 | 10,000+ Companies | 4.9/5 Trustpilot
