(Budget 2026) Hong Kong explores the establishment of a one‑stop multi‑asset class post‑trade securities infrastructure

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority's CMU OmniClear and the Hong Kong Exchange will soon commence a study on the establishment of a one‑stop multi‑asset class post‑trade securities infrastructure to cover mainland and Hong Kong equity and debt securities, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in the Budget Speech on Wednesday.

Chan said the move will facilitate cross‑product and cross‑boundary collateral connectivity, enhancing market liquidity and risk management.

The Central Moneymarkets Units will activate linkages with SIX of Switzerland and launch equity post‑trade services for the first time, enabling investors to manage their diversified asset portfolios more efficiently, he said.

Previously, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates became a CMU member.

To promote the application of fintech and enhance the efficiency of the asset management market, the CMU OmniClear will also establish a digital asset platform this year, which will support the issuance and settlement of digital bonds, Chan noted.

The platform will be gradually extended to other digital assets and linked with other tokenisation platforms in the region, consolidating Hong Kong's leading role in the realm of digital assets, Chan added.