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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 />
Hong Kong plans to be a digital asset hub with stablecoins playing a key role. Photo: Shutterstock
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

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Hong Kong property

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

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.

An aerial view of the Kowloon district of Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang
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.

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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.

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.

The collaboration with Hong Kong is expected to help Shanghai realise innovative applications in digitised cargo trade and finance. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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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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.

Banking & finance

No hack behind HSBC banking outage, as HKMA rules out cyberattack

Monetary authority signals tougher scrutiny of tech risks after shutdown, as it also moves closer to issuing stablecoin licences.

The HKMA said that HSBC’s widespread system outage last week was caused by an internal computer failure rather than a cyberattack. Photo: Sun Yeung
Banking & finance

Letters | As US dollar weakens, time to rethink Hong Kong dollar peg?

Readers discuss the dollar peg amid geopolitical volatility, an AI proposal for student well-being, public reactions to bus seat belts, and the viability of the cinema industry.

The yuan is increasingly being used in global trade finance, while the US president seemingly favours a weak dollar to remedy trade imbalances. Photo: dpa
Banking & finance

China’s yuan finds firmer footing in corporate fundraising efforts

Uses of yuan borrowing broaden to include working capital and capex, supported by Hong Kong’s liquidity boost, bankers say.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong cannot take its Exchange Fund’s stellar year for granted

The fund posted a record gain last year, boosting the Hong Kong government’s fiscal health, but global headwinds must be heeded.

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