MNI BRIEF: HK Plans New Risk Tools For Connect Programme
Hong Kong will incorporate more risk management tools into the mainland-HK Connect programme to address investor needs and provide more yuan-denominated products to facilitate its international use, said HK Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Thursday at the 2024 Bund Summit, co-hosted by CF40, a prominent think tank.
The Connect Programme, which initially focused on stocks and bonds, has expanded to derivatives products such as exchange-traded funds, index futures and swap contracts, he noted. (See MNI INTERVIEW: China's Connect Program To Expand Capital Flows)
HK authorities will continue to support the issuance of yuan bonds by central, provincial, and municipal Chinese governments to enhance offshore liquidity and diversify product offerings, Chan added, noting the digital currency bridge project will trade transaction costs, promote multilateral capital flows, and support the internationalisation of the yuan.
In response to geopolitical challenges, the HK government is deepening financial connections with emerging economies in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions, and exploring new markets, he noted.