HKEX invests in HKMA’s CMU Omniclear, strengthening city’s financial market infrastructure Bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is making a substantial investment in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)’s CMU OmniClear Holdings, marking a new phase in the development of the city’s financial market infrastructure. The HKEX would invest as much as HK$455 million (US$58.5 million) to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the HKMA’s wholly owned subsidiary, while the HKMA’s Exchange Fund will retain an 80 per cent share, the city’s de facto central bank said on Wednesday. CMU OmniClear operates Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU), a central securities depository (CSD) that provides clearing, settlement and custody services for debt securities. The platform is a crucial part of the city’s financial market and aims to become a major CSD in Asia by connecting Chinese and global bond markets within a single network. The partnership aimed to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading financial hub and to advance the long-term development of its fixed income and currencies (FIC) markets, which cover bonds, foreign exchange and other instruments, officials said at a signing ceremony. “The HKMA and HKEX are joining forces to create favourable conditions for accelerating and deepening the development of Hong Kong’s financial markets,” said Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. “We expect more international investors to allocate to Chinese assets.” “The strategic collaboration between the HKMA, CMU OmniClear and the HKEX marks a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure,” said Eddie Yue Wai-man, chief executive of the HKMA and chairman of CMU OmniClear Holdings. “This partnership establishes a strong foundation for transforming CMU into a multi-asset-class platform that provides investors with one-stop access to equity and debt securities while facilitating efficient two-way investment flows between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and international markets.” The partnership is designed to upgrade and expand CMU OmniClear’s capabilities, turning it into a major regional player in post-trade services. According to the HKMA, the collaboration would combine both institutions’ resources, technology and expertise to develop a more advanced and integrated financial infrastructure. Some of the planned initiatives include expanding investor services, increasing the range of asset classes handled and improving collateral management and cross-asset efficiency. “We are delighted to be joining forces with the HKMA and CMU OmniClear on this journey to support the next chapter of growth in Hong Kong’s FIC ecosystem,” said Bonnie Chan Yiting, CEO of HKEX. “As global investors seek more opportunities centred around our region, we look forward to working with regulators and market participants to further enhance Hong Kong’s status as a global bond fundraising, risk management and offshore [yuan] business centre, unleashing Hong Kong’s potential as a global FIC hub.” Despite the ownership change, the HKMA will remain the system operator and legal owner of the CMU under Hong Kong’s Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance. https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3332419/hkex-invests-hkmas-cmu-omiclear-strengthening-citys-financial-market-infrastructure (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: South China Morning Post