In briefIP Financing Sandbox banks complete credit approval for first pilot cases
SummaryThe HKMA announced that participating banks in the IP Financing Sandbox have completed credit approvals for seven pilot cases across electronics, construction, toy manufacturing and medical devices. Loans range from HK$1 million to HK$39 million for working capital, expansion and marketing. The HKMA says the first batch shows the potential of using IP such as patents and trade marks to access financing.
In briefExchange Fund abridged balance sheet and currency board account, showing the fund's assets and the monetary base backing for August 2026.
SummaryThe HKMA reported that Exchange Fund total assets were HK$4,335.4 billion as at 31 August 2026, HK$68.3 billion lower than at the end of July 2026, mainly due to withdrawals of Fiscal Reserves placements. The Monetary Base was HK$2,080.2 billion at end-August 2026, up HK$0.1 billion from July. The Backing Ratio rose from 111.86% to 112.00%.
In briefInternational reserves and foreign currency liquidity data for end-August 2026
SummaryThe HKMA published analytical data on Hong Kong's foreign currency reserves and foreign currency liquidity as at end-August 2026. The data are released monthly in the SDDS template. The annex lists official reserve assets, predetermined short-term net drains, and contingent liabilities in US$ million.
In briefAugust 2026 Residential Mortgage Survey: HKMA monthly data on Hong Kong home loans
SummaryThe Hong Kong Monetary Authority released its residential mortgage survey for August 2026. Applications fell 8.3% month-on-month to 8,446, and approved loans fell 28.2% to HK$32.2 billion, while drawn-down loans rose 11.6% to HK$32.8 billion. Outstanding mortgage loans increased 0.6% to HK$1,975.4 billion at end-August, with a delinquency ratio of 0.11%.
In briefAugust 2026 Monetary Statistics from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority
SummaryThe HKMA released monetary statistics for August 2026, showing total deposits with authorized institutions rose 1.4% month-on-month and 7.3% year-to-date. Renminbi deposits fell 2.1% in August to RMB1,101.5 billion. The release notes that deposit changes are affected by factors such as interest rates and fund-raising, so longer-term trends are more meaningful than single-month fluctuations.
In briefSFC reprimands and fines Zheng Da $7 million, suspends its responsible officer's licence for seven months over AML breaches
SummaryThe Securities and Futures Commission reprimanded and fined Zheng Da International Financial Holding Limited $7 million for failing to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism requirements between 1 December 2021 and 30 September 2023. Its responsible officer, Zhong Hao, was suspended for seven months, from 28 September 2026 to 27 April 2027. The SFC found the firm conducted no due diligence or testing on customer supplied systems used by 160 clients and did not properly monitor deposits and suspicious trading in eight client accounts.
In briefSFC updates industry on scam prevention and cybersecurity
SummaryOn 29 September 2026, the Securities and Futures Commission hosted a Brokers’ Forum for over 600 industry participants. It covered the latest supervisory observations and regulatory updates on cybersecurity and anti-scam measures. The forum included a panel discussion with police, investor education and industry representatives, plus a police briefing on cyber resilience in brokerage.
In briefHKMA's September 2026 Half-Yearly Report on monetary and financial stability
SummaryThe HKMA published its Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report on 29 September 2026. It analyses the global and local economy, Hong Kong's monetary and financial conditions, and examines recent performance and risks in the local banking sector. The report is available on the HKMA website.
In briefHKSAR Government's fourth digital green bond offering
SummaryThe Hong Kong SAR Government priced about HK$20 billion of digital green bonds in HKD, RMB, USD and EUR under its Government Sustainable Bond Programme. Subscription ratios across the four currencies ranged from 1.3 to 11.3 times. The HKD tranche settled using tokenised deposits, and the issuance adopted the ICMA Bond Data Taxonomy version 2.01.
In briefKelvin Wong speech at SFC and AFRC MoU signing ceremony
SummaryDr Kelvin Wong delivered a speech titled “Enhanced SFC-AFRC Partnership: A Living Framework to Bolster Market Confidence” at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the SFC and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council. The speech is posted on the SFC website.
In briefHong Kong regulators sign new pact extending financial reporting cooperation to licensed firms and funds
SummaryThe SFC and AFRC signed a new Memorandum of Understanding expanding their cooperation beyond listed entities to cover financial and compliance reporting by licensed corporations, licensed virtual asset service providers, authorised funds and registered open-ended fund companies. It also covers related audit and assurance work. The MoU sets out a framework for information sharing, case referrals, mutual assistance and coordinated inspections and investigations, and supersedes the 2021 MoU with the former Financial Reporting Council.
In briefBanks further extend loan repayment grace period for Tai Po Fire victims
SummaryThe HKMA and HKAB announced a further extension of credit support for individuals affected by the Tai Po fire. All 28 retail banks will extend repayment grace periods (principal and interest) on existing mortgages, personal loans and credit card loans by six months, to the end of May 2027. Banks handling Wang Fuk Court mortgages will also flexibly extend grace periods on original loans until newly purchased units are ready for intake.
