Gelephu Mindfulness City envisions a cutting-edge financial sector that seamlessly integrates digital assets, Web3 technologies, fintech innovations, and traditional finance. This strategic vision aims to create a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth and enhances financial inclusion.
By embracing digital assets and Web3, Gelephu plans to foster a decentralized and transparent financial environment, empowering individuals and businesses alike. The city also focuses on fintech advancements to streamline financial services, making them more accessible and efficient. Additionally, the development of a digital currency is a key component of this vision, facilitating secure and swift transactions while promoting financial stability. This holistic approach ensures that Gelephu’s financial sector remains resilient, innovative, and aligned with the principles of Gross National Happiness.
In a significant development for Bhutan’s burgeoning economic landscape, Hobeng “HB” Lim has been appointed as Managing Directing at Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR). Announced by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in December 2023, Gelephu Mindfulness City is a global economic hub designed to reframe core principles of economic and social development.
In his new role, HB will spearhead the development of a strategic vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City’s financial sector, which encompasses digital assets/web3, fintech and traditional finance, along with the development of a digital currency. Additionally, HB will focus on forging alliances with Bhutanese and international stakeholders from the public and private sectors to transform Gelephu Mindfulness City into a global innovation epicentre founded on principles of openness and trust and the core values of Gross National Happiness.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City is envisioned as a nexus for global thought leaders and a “living lab” for pioneering policies that promote mindful, sustainable economic growth and social development. As an SAR, Gelephu Mindfulness City will benefit from a bespoke legislative and regulatory framework designed to align with global standards and foster an environment that promotes business best-practices while resonating with Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
HB brings a wealth of experience and an established track record to this role. Prior to joining Gelephu Mindfulness City, he served as Managing Director for APAC at BitGo, a leading digital asset custodian and prime broker, where he played a crucial role in steering the company’s strategy and operations. Before this, he served as Director of Supervision at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority, where he was instrumental in developing the organisation’s fintech and digital assets ecosystem and related regulatory framework. In addition, HB has held key positions at Promontory, an IBM business unit specialising in regulatory and compliance consulting, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Joining a dynamic team of Bhutanese and multi-disciplinary international experts, HB is set to help lead Gelephu Mindfulness City and Bhutan into a new era of economic prosperity and innovation, positioning the SAR as a model for mindful economic and commercial development on the global stage.
