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Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
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Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) was established in April 1993 by merging the Office of the Exchange Fund with the Office of the Commissioner of Banking. The HKMA is responsible for maintaining monetary and banking stability, including maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate system under which the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar.<br />
Analysts say the HKMA has prioritised risk management , even as it seeks to promote financial innovation through stablecoins. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Banking & finance

Calls grow for HKMA to go further on stablecoins after conservative first batch

Analysts and investors say the HKMA’s cautious approach prioritises risk control, but limits Hong Kong’s digital asset ambitions.

Fintech

HSBC, StanChart-led group among first to get stablecoin licences in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong seeks to raise bond issuance ceiling to HK$900 billion

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong developers test homebuyers with price increases after sell-outs

‘This is a classic recovery-phase strategy: testing price elasticity without undermining the building momentum,’ an analyst says.

The Chester has 241 flats with layouts from one to four bedrooms. Photo: Handout
Banking & finance

Editorial | Stablecoin launch delay shows Hong Kong would rather be safe than sorry

Given the complexity involved, it’s wise not to rush to meet any self-imposed deadline but to make sure a good framework is in place first.

Banking & finance

Hong Kong’s anticipated stablecoin licence by end-March does not materialise

Analysts say the delay is most likely administrative and that the overall plan is still on track.

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Hong Kong property

La Mirabelle sells in hours as developers ramp up sales, buyers fret over rates

All 254 Tseung Kwan O flats snapped up as developers step up supply and demand stays firm.

La Mirabelle in Harbour Bay is to be developed in two phases, each comprising about 1,200 units, for a total of 2,550 units. Photo: Handouit
Hong Kong property

Hong Kong developers test market with 222 units released amid rate uncertainty

So far this year, 5,500 new residential units have been sold in Hong Kong, a 25 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong home prices surge to 22-month high, but Iran war clouds outlook

Price gains accelerated in February, according to official government index, but interest-rate risk looms, analysts say.

Hong Kong economy

Should Hong Kong be using ‘war chest’ firepower for Northern Metropolis?

Rare HK$150 billion transfer from the Exchange Fund has sparked fierce debate.

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Banking & finance

Exclusive | Turkish private bank plans Hong Kong entry amid Middle East tensions: sources

Turkiye Is Bankasi eyes corporate-focused Hong Kong branch, citing the city’s hub role, to complete its China coverage, sources say.

The bank is awaiting clearance from Turkish authorities before formally approaching the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for a banking licence, sources said. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong property

Will a longer pause in rate cuts threaten Hong Kong’s property upturn?

A wait-and-see approach by Hong Kong homebuyers amid rising geopolitical uncertainties could dampen recovery in the sector.

Crime in Hong Kong

HSBC asks victim of credit card theft to pay HK$126,580 racked up by criminals

Victim only discovered card theft a day later and was told by bank she failed to report it immediately, but finds friend’s case treated differently.

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Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

With its regulatory clarity and superconnector edge, the city is drawing global crypto firms as it emerges as a premier Web3 hub.

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Illustration by Lau Ka-kuen
Interest rates

HKMA warns of interest rate uncertainty amid Middle East conflict

HKMA leaves city’s base rate untouched at 4 per cent, as HSBC, Standard Chartered and BOCHK keep prime lending and saving rates unchanged.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority maintained the city’s base rate at 4 per cent on Thursday. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Fintech

Exclusive | HSBC, Standard Chartered tipped to win Hong Kong stablecoin licences in 2 weeks

The approvals would mark a milestone in Hong Kong’s push to regulate stablecoins while positioning itself as a global digital asset centre.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong family offices take long view despite Iran war, HKMA affiliate says

Survey shows family offices expanding risk management while maintaining strong investment exposure to Hong Kong and Asia.

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Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Fears over Exchange Fund discipline overblown: Hong Kong’s dollar peg architect

John Greenwood says drawing HK$150 billion from the fund is justified, calling the move a legitimate, long‑term investment.

The Hong Kong dollar is pegged against the US dollar between a range of 7.75 to 7.85. Photo: Felix Wong
Banking & finance

Hong Kong, Shanghai sign pact on digital trade finance, cross-border data link

‘This marks an important milestone in the collaboration on financial innovation between Shanghai and Hong Kong,’ HKMA’s Howard Lee says.

Banking & finance

HSBC signals intent to join Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime amid digital hub push

Georges Elhedery declined to confirm whether HSBC applied for stablecoin licence but indicated that discussions with regulator were ongoing.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Rare Exchange Fund withdrawal to pay for Northern Metropolis, other big schemes

Paul Chan has proposed transferring HK$150 billion from the Exchange Fund in the coming two years.

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Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund is the government’s main investment arm and de facto sovereign wealth fund. Photo: Sun Yeung
Banking & finance

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

From the yuan’s growth as a global currency to IPO funding to tokenisation, the city is a linchpin in Beijing’s ambitions.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Hong Kong

Letters | Can Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund capture the growth of tomorrow?

Readers discuss the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s investment strategy in comparison with Singapore’s Temasek, Australia’s media bargaining mechanism, and Chinese New Year Cup ticketing.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: should the coming blueprint boost yuan’s global push?

Experts say Hong Kong has ‘distinct advantages’ that can support the country’s financial development amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Banking & finance

Hong Kong banks’ profit growth slows amid rising bad debt, slim margins

Profit growth slows to 7.3 per cent from 8.4 per cent a year earlier as bad loans exceed two-decade average, HKMA says.

The headquarters of Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC are seen in Central on March 23, 2025. Photo: Eugene Lee
US-China trade war

US Treasury chief warns of China’s push for digital asset dominance

Scott Bessent tells senators the US must pass the Clarity Act to counter Hong Kong’s ‘sandbox’ and maintain global financial leadership.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong property

Expanded Hong Kong scheme allows resale homebuyers to pay sellers directly

HKMA launches a direct transfer option for second-hand property transactions, replacing the traditional escrow system managed by law firms.

Fintech

HKMA launches quantum readiness and cybersecurity projects for banks in AI era

Banking regulator sets fintech road map with quantum index and measures to boost security, data quality and skills.

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