Security Alert
Amid the rising concern over fraud attempts through impersonation of reputable institutions, Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) and HKICL Services Limited (HSL) would like to remind you to stay alert of any suspicious correspondence appears to be issued by HKICL and/or HSL. In principle, HKICL and/or HSL will only request payments from business partners to whom it has business relationship. HKICL and/or HSL will NOT claim to have statutory/regulatory power to request payments from others. You are advised to contact HKICL and/or HSL upon notice of any suspicious communication.
News in 2020
Announcement on pilot run of phase I of cross-border collaboration between the People’s Bank of China Trade Finance Platform and eTradeConnect
3 November 2020 – Shenzhen FinTech Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China, and Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited, a group company of Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited, has jointly announced that phase I connection between the People’s Bank of China Trade Finance Platform (PBCTFP) and eTradeConnect has been completed, and that the project is under pilot run.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Shenzhen Fintech Research Institute and Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited in 2019 and the concerted efforts of both parties, phase I connection between PBCTFP and eTradeConnect has been successfully completed. The project aims to tap the strengths and resources of both sides on the application of financial technology (FinTech) to trade finance with a view to enhancing the levels of trust and efficiency of cross-border trades while reducing the financing costs of SMEs to facilitate their bids to go global. Moreover, the connection would help address the pain points and difficulties encountered in obtaining trade finance, which will not only facilitate cross-border trade finance services but also promote the sustainable development of FinTech -collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong in building an open and inclusive financial ecosystem together.
The pilot run of the project is supported by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China and Bank of Communications in the Mainland and Bank of China (Hong Kong), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited in Hong Kong.
Shenzhen Fintech Research Institute and Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited have agreed to explore further development of the connection to promote cross-border trades and innovation in respect of trade finance with a view to achieving a win-win situation in the Greater Bay Area.
About the People’s Bank of China Trade Finance Platform
To implement President Xi Jinping’s requirements on “deepening the revolution of the financial system, strengthening the financial services of the economy and enhancing the development of financial industry”, the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China has established the Trade Finance Platform in September 2018. The platform aims to serve SMEs from the financial, taxation and regulatory perspectives. Based on the “co-build, co-own and co-share” principles, the platform serves as an open trade finance ecosystem and financial infrastructure to enhance transparency and creditability. Apart from the connection with eTradeConnect, the People’s Bank of China Trade Finance Platform will also collaborate with other overseas trade finance platforms to expedite the development of a global ecosystem.
About eTradeConnect
eTradeConnect, the very first blockchain-based trade finance platform in Hong Kong, was launched in September 2018. This trade finance platform was founded by seven banks, including Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Bank of East Asia, Limited, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and later joined by five additional banks to form a consortium of 12 member banks. It is currently operated by Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited, a group company of Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited.
Leveraging the unique features of blockchain technology, eTradeConnect aims to foster trust among trade participants through digitization of trade documents and automation of trade processes to improve efficiency while reducing risks of trade finance.
For detailed information about the eTradeConnect platform, please visit https://www.etradeconnect.net
News in 2019
MPFA and HKICL Join Hands to Explore Payment Solution for the eMPF Platform
The MPFA and Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) today (10 December) entered into a collaboration agreement to explore appropriate electronic payment and clearing solutions for the future eMPF Platform.
Witnessed by Mr Cheng Yan-chee, MPFA Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Director, Mr Leo Chu, MPFA Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Mr Edmond Lau, Senior Executive Director of Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Mr Colin Pou, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ms Cynthia Hui, MPFA Executive Director (Members), and Ms Haster Tang, Chief Executive Officer of HKICL.
Mr Chu said, “One of the objectives of constructing the eMPF Platform is to enhance the MPF management efficiency and user experience of employers and scheme members. The Platform will not be complete without a seamless, secure and reliable electronic payment settlement system.”
Ms Hui said, “HKICL has developed major electronic payment systems such as the Faster Payment System (FPS), e-Cheque and the ePayment for MPF transfer between trustees. The extensive experience and knowledge of HKICL will facilitate the development of an efficient and suitable electronic payment solution for the eMPF Platform in anticipation of the voluminous MPF transactions in future.”
Mr Lau said, “The MoU signifies the mutual agreement in developing and promoting the financial infrastructure in Hong Kong for facilitating efficient processing of payments. I am glad that the FPS has seen extensive adoption, from person-to-person payment to business payment, shortly after launching for a year. Riding on the experience in developing this efficient and resilient electronic payment platform, I am sure it will facilitate the development of the eMPF Platform with diversified and innovative payment solutions. The HKMA will continue our efforts in exploring more use cases of the FPS and further promoting the e-payment ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
Ms Tang said, “Both the FPS and the eMPF Platform share the common objective of providing an efficient and reliable electronic payment service to the general public on a 24x7 basis. HKICL is confident that its successful experience of the FPS and other e-payment systems would be beneficial to the future eMPF Platform to be developed by MPFA in becoming a user-centric system with safe and efficient payment solution not only to meet the needs of stakeholders but also contribute to the further development of financial infrastructure in Hong Kong.”
Witnessed by Cheng Yan-chee, MPFA Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Director (2nd from left); Leo Chu, MPFA Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director (1st from left); Edmond Lau, Senior Executive Director of HKMA (2nd from right); and Colin Pou, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA (1st from right), the MoU was signed by Cynthia Hui, MPFA Executive Director (Members) (3rd from left), and Haster Tang, Chief Executive Officer of HKICL (3rd from right) to explore appropriate electronic payment and clearing solutions for the future eMPF Platform.
Blockchain collaboration with the subsidiary of Institute of Digital Currency of the People’s Bank of China (PBoC)
On 6 November 2019 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shenzhen Fintech Institute (the subsidiary of Institute of Digital Currency of the People’ Bank of China) and Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited to conduct a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) trial, which aims to connect the PBoC Trade Finance Platform and eTradeConnect.
Please click here to read the details (in Simplified Chinese).
eTradeConnect works with CargoSmart and PwC to make global trade and trade financing easier
Hong Kong - November 05 2019 - eTradeConnect announced today two proof-of-concepts to enhance connectivity of its trade finance platform. Both initiatives aim to explore ways to transform the traditional heavily manual and paper-based trade finance process towards a digital era where customers can easily exchange their trade, financing and shipping information through a secure, streamlined and digitalized trade finance process.
Linking banks to a global shipping network
eTradeConnect has entered into discussion with CargoSmart and shipping industry participants that are proposing to form a Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) on how the banking and shipping industries can work together to create value to their mutual customers.
A proof-of-concept has been designed to validate the benefits of enhanced transparency, traceability and efficiency to the banks and their trade finance customers if ocean carriers and terminals can share shipping information (e.g. Bill of Lading) on a real-time basis. It will also evaluate how a paperless trade finance process can reduce financing risk on the one hand and promote product innovation and efficiency gain on the other.
eTradeConnect and CargoSmart, facilitated by PwC as project manager, have successfully completed the proof-of-concept with banks, including Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Bank of East Asia, Limited, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and ocean carriers, including COSCO Shipping Lines, OOCL. The proof-of-concept verified the feasibility of data exchange from the financing and shipping cycles on "need-to-know" basis. The aim is to identify potential implications from the customer experience, operation and technology perspectives.
Integrating with Corporate Procurement System through “ERP.Connect"
eTradeConnect has conducted another proof-of-concept to integrate with customer procurement systems. The “ERP.Connect”, a digital asset designed by PwC as a proof of concept enables seamless connection among platforms for submission of necessary digital information and documents on corporate procurement, order management, treasury to facilitate trade financing.
eTradeConnect and PwC have been working together over the past months to explore and validate the integration between the eTradeConnect platform and ERP.Connect.
Participating banks of the eTradeConnect, including DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited shared ideas on how the user experience can be enhanced into a “digital end-to-end vision”.
ERP.Connect would allow corporate treasurers to access immediate financing options through their existing ERP systems. As a result, better visibility on their financial positions and abilities to manage working capitals could be achieved.
Ms. Teng Linhui, General Manager of Transaction Banking Department of Bank of China (Hong Kong) said, “BOCHK has always been committed to enhancing its financial service capabilities with the use of innovative technologies. This year, the Bank took the lead in building the Application Programming Interface (API) and became the first bank to connect its system with eTradeConnect. By bringing in the shipping industry and integrating with customer procurement systems with proof of concept, eTradeConnect will facilitate data sharing among different parties and improve operational efficiency and transparency of trade finance, resulting in greater customer experience. Going forward, BOCHK will continue to invest resources in related fields to digitalise the trade ecosystem, while enhancing its cooperation with relevant parties to promote the development of eTradeConnect.”
Mr. Adrian Li, Co-Chief Executive of The Bank of East Asia, Limited said “With blockchain technology, banks will be able to exchange information with logistics service providers in real-time. This development will facilitate trade finance processes, reduce risk, and make trade finance more accessible to SMEs.”
Mr. Nimish Panchmatia, Head of Global Transaction Services at DBS Bank (Hong Kong), says “The distinctiveness of an ERP connector on eTradeConnect is the seamless connectivity between corporate ERP systems and participating banks allowing for a one-stop shop execution. This will mean significant efficiency gains for our customers as they take advantage of the integration and connectivity.”
“Being Digital is the differentiation. With this hassle-free financing experience our customers can monitor their loan applications on real-time basis resulting in improved visibility and reduced administrative costs.” Nimish says.
Ms. Jeanny Ip, Head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance, Hong Kong and Macau, HSBC, says “HSBC is committed to transforming and digitising trade to make it faster, safer and more efficient. As one of the co-funding banks supporting the eTradeConnect platform, we are delighted to participate in the two proofs-of-concept which will help build a global trade ecosystem and further simplify trading process for our clients. Based on the feedback we obtained from previous eTradeConnect pilot transactions, HSBC sees the need and demand for a single platform where clients can facilitate cross-border trade. Clients are telling us that they want a more comprehensive customer journey, one that removes duplication. This is a win-win for all participants of international trade.”
Mr. Biswajyoti Upadhyay, Head of Transaction Banking, Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited commented: “In today’s complex trade environment, clients are looking for more efficient and reliable trade processes and information flow. The connection with the proposed GSBN and corporate ERP allows seamless exchange of digital trade and shipment information, moving clients away from paper intensive processes, and more importantly connecting the various counter parties within the ecosystem, offering end-to-end visibility while bringing about supply chain efficiency. Digitisation is at the core of Standard Chartered. As a founding bank of eTradeConnect, we are pleased to have participated in the two proof-of-concept projects with the aim to collaboratively improve the trade environment and help clients compete in the evolving market conditions.”
Mr. Mohamed Kande, PwC’s Global Advisory Leader, said, “We are excited to have facilitated the collaboration between the banking and shipping/logistic industries to digitalise international trade and to build an integrated trade ecosystem. This aligns with PwC's corporate purpose to build trust in society, and demonstrated our commitment to Asia and emerging technologies; For instance, the ERP.Connect proof-of-concept is an execution of our digital strategy to co-create value through innovations and technology. We are thrilled to be part of this digital transformation journey."
With these two collaborations, eTradeConnect aims to create a digital eco-system to strengthen linkages amongst members in the global trading system, stimulate economic cooperation and promote Hong Kong as a major regional trading hub.
About eTradeConnect
eTradeConnect, the very first blockchain-based trade finance platform in Hong Kong, was launched in September 2018. This trade finance platform was initiated by seven banks, including Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Bank of East Asia, Limited, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and later joined by five additional banks, resulting in a consortium of 12 member banks. It is currently operated by Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited, a group company of Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited.
Leveraging the unique features of blockchain technology, eTradeConnect aims to foster trust among trade participants through digitization of trade documents and automation of trade processes with a view to improving efficiency, reducing risks and facilitating trade finance.
For detailed information about the eTradeConnect platform, please visit https://www.etradeconnect.net
About CargoSmart
CargoSmart Limited empowers companies to digitally transform their global supply chains. Leveraging technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, and a deep understanding of ocean shipping, CargoSmart provides innovative solutions for transportation and logistics teams to collaborate, increase visibility, and gain insights to optimize supply chain planning and operations. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Hong Kong, CargoSmart has helped over 160,000 professionals increase delivery reliability, lower transportation costs, and streamline operations.
The proposed Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) is an initiative of CargoSmart and major global ocean carriers and terminals with the goal of transforming the global supply chain with openness and transparency; and to accelerate the digital transformation of the shipping industry. The GSBN will operate through a not-for-profit joint venture entity once all regulatory approvals have been obtained.
For detailed information about CargoSmart, please visit www.cargosmart.ai
About PwC
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with over 276,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.
PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.
News in 2018
Announcement on collaboration between eTradeConnect and we.trade
*** The first initiative and unprecedented connection between two large-scale blockchain trade platforms in Asia and Europe ***
eTradeConnect and we.trade announced today (31 October 2018), the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaboration between the newly launched digital trade finance platform in Hong Kong, eTradeConnect, and we.trade, the leading European digital trade finance platform. After several weeks of joint work, the parties start the immediate development with this MoU, for the interconnection of the two platforms for trade transactions, allowing corporates in we.trade to initiate a trade with companies in eTradeConnect as well as requesting financing of invoices and vice versa. This signifies the first and unprecedented connection between two large-scale blockchain trade finance platforms.
Interconnection of blockchain networks is a key requirement to expand the reach of members and services that each individual network offers: with this MoU, we.trade and eTradeConnect, jointly with their IT partners, respectively IBM and OneConnect, have designed for the first time in the world a framework for that connection to materialise between the two platforms, through a proof-of-concept (POC) to be completed in the next months.
eTradeConnect, a blockchain-based trade finance platform initiated by a consortium of 12 banks in Hong Kong, has been launched since September 2018. Leveraging the unique features of blockchain technology, eTradeConnect aims to build better trust among trade participants, improve efficiency, reduce risks and facilitate trade counterparties to obtain financing by digitising trade documents and automating trade finance processes. eTradeConnect is the first large-scale multi-bank blockchain project in Hong Kong.
we.trade, the first blockchain-based trade finance platform in Europe, based on the IBM Blockchain Platform, was launched in June 2018 and has been providing service to 14 major European banks. we.trade aims to facilitate cross-border trades to be conducted in a seamless, simple and trustful manner. Since the launch of we.trade in June 2018, we.trade has demonstrated its solid development in Europe and has announced its roadmap of expansion beyond Europe from 2019. The collaboration between eTradeConnect and we.trade opens the first doorway between the Asian and European markets.
The two platforms share a common vision of facilitating cross-border trades through establishing global connectivity. The collaboration of the two platforms with similar functions using similar technology also creates strong bonding and synergy, towards the development of a global network of networks. This paves the way for a digitised trade corridor between Asia and Europe for trade finance business.
Haster Tang, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited, said "We are delighted to collaborate with we.trade and believe that the connection between the two platforms will revolutionize the trade finance ecosystem for the benefit of trade partners. The cross-blockchain connectivity between eTradeConnect and We.trade will definitely gain recognition from the stakeholders.”
Roberto Mancone, COO, we.trade, echoed this sentiment, “we.trade is delighted to partner with eTradeConnect with the support from HKMA, this collaboration concerns not only IT connectivity but also operational models, legal frameworks, and governance between the networks and their users. This type of co-operation between platforms will be more and more necessary going forward, given the decentralization and proliferation of global digital solutions. It is exciting for we.trade to be at the forefront of this movement and co-developing the first such interconnection development between trade platforms. Our aim is to develop a framework that can be applied to connect to other networks in the future.”
The launch of eTradeConnect and the Collaboration with we.trade
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (31 October 2018) the official launch of eTradeConnect, a blockchain-based trade finance platform developed by a consortium of twelve major banks in Hong Kong. Formerly known as the Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform, eTradeConnect aims to improve trade efficiency, build better trust among trade participants, reduce risks and facilitate trade counterparties to obtain financing by digitising trade documents, automating trade finance processes and leveraging the features of blockchain technology.
The commercialisation of the trade finance project was first announced in Oct 2017 arising from the fruitful results of an earlier proof-of-concept (PoC) trial facilitated by the HKMA. The project was initially led by seven major banks1 and later joined by five additional banks2 , adding up to a consortium of twelve member banks. eTradeConnect is the first large-scale multi-bank blockchain project in Hong Kong.
In order to facilitate cross-border trades, the HKMA has been proactively looking for opportunities to connect eTradeConnect with trade platforms in other regions. Today, the HKMA witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the operators3 of eTradeConnect and the we.trade4 to conduct a POC on connecting the two platforms.
Howard Lee, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, “It is a remarkable moment to witness the birth of the first blockchain-based trade finance platform built by key industry players in Hong Kong. It demonstrates the willingness of the financial industry to adopt new technology in the new era of smart banking. Our next key milestone is to link eTradeConnect with platforms from other regions in order to enable cross-border trade financing. The connection between eTradeConnect and we.trade platform paves the way for the digitalisation of cross-border trades in the Asia and Europe trade corridor, and will serve as a good reference for the future connection of eTradeConnect to other trade finance platforms.”
Roberto Mancone, Chief Operating Officer of we.trade, echoed this sentiment, “we.trade is delighted to partner with eTradeConnect, a platform facilitated by the HKMA. Our co-operation confirms our roadmap and as the first step of developing “network of networks” in blockchain based trade finance solution. This exciting collaboration has the potential to unlock trade finance barriers for between Europe and Asia and through interoperability create an ecosystem that combines all the different stages of trade.”
Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority at the launching ceremony of eTradeConnect.
Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and senior executives of 12 banks at the launching ceremony of eTradeConnect.
Ms Haster Tang, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited (second from left), and Mr Roberto Mancone, Chief Operating Officer of we.trade (second from right) sign the Memorandum of Understanding on collaboration. The signing ceremony is witnessed by Mr Colin Pou, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (first from left) and Mr Thierry Roehm, Board member of we.trade (first from right).
1.The seven major banks include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Bank of East Asia Limited, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.
2.The five additional banks include Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Bank of Communications Co Ltd, BNP Paribas, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Ltd and Shanghai Commercial Bank Ltd.
3.The operator of eTradeConnect is Hong Kong Trade Finance Platform Company Limited; whereas the operator of we.trade is we.trade Innovation Designated Activity Company
4.we.trade was established by nine banks in Europe to address the expectations of their customers to make cross-border trade more straightforward. At present, we.trade is available across fourteen European countries.
Please click here to read the press release from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
FPS Activation Ceremony
Please click here to read the press release from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Please click here to read the press release from news.gov.hk.
Faster Payment System (“FPS”)
Faster Payment System (FPS) is launched on 17 September 2018. The FPS is a payment financial infrastructure introduced by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and operated by Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) to enable real-time fund transfer and payment services among banks and payment service providers (including stored value facilities (SVFs) licensed by and retail payment systems (RPS) designated by the HKMA). This real-time payment platform enables instant payments in Hong Kong, providing consumers and merchants a safe, efficient and widely accessible retail payment service on a 7x24 basis.
Please click here to read the press release from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
News in 2017
Extension of Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) Real-time Delivery versus Payment (RDvP) Settlement Window
To facilitate the usage of CCASS RDvP service by the China Connect Markets, the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC) has extended the settlement window for CCASS RDvP Payments with effect from 20 November 2017. The new settlement window operates between 09:15 and 18:00 hours for HKD and USD currencies and between 09:15 and 19:45 hours for RMB currency, excluding Hong Kong general holidays on which CCASS will not be operated. The corresponding schedule for CCASS cutoff events has also been revised in view of this extension, with an additional CCASS interim cut-off at 15:30.
News in 2016
Enhancements for RMB FINInform Payment
As part of the continuous drive to promote efficiency and flexibility, user interface functions are provided for Global Users to enquire their transaction status, account debit limit and reference balance through the new iMBT channel over internet and/or existing eMBT channel via SWIFT network, with effect from 21 November 2016.
Sanction Screening of USD CHATS Payments by HSBC Sanction Screening System (“HSSS”)
USD CHATS has been enhanced to interface with the HSBC Sanction Screening System, replacing the Centralised Payment Filter, with effect from 1 August 2016 to provide corresponding payment sanction screening capabilities
Hong Kong-Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen) One-Way Joint Clearing for HKD, USD and RMB e-Cheque and Hong Kong-Guangdong Province One-Way Joint Clearing for USD Paper Cheque
A new one-way Hong Kong-Guangdong and Hong Kong-Shenzhen cross-border e-Cheque clearing service of HKD, USD and RMB e-Cheques is launched on 20 July 2016. The cross-border e-Cheque links are implemented to facilitate efficient processing of e-Cheque clearing between Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen) and Hong Kong. Through the joint clearing arrangement, payees in Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen) can present e-Cheques drawn on banks in Hong Kong to banks within Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen) for further clearing and settlement in Hong Kong by HKICL.
While the Hong Kong-Shenzhen joint clearing for USD paper cheque was already implemented in 2004, we have taken this opportunity to implement the Hong Kong-Guangdong Province one-way joint clearing for USD paper cheque on the same date (i.e. 20 July 2016).
Same Day CCASS Night Settlement (“SCASSN”)
A new Renminbi same day settlement run in late evening for CCASS items is introduced on 18 April 2016. It serves to mitigate the overnight counterparty risk that may arise between investors and brokers in connection with the settlement instructions relating to securities listed in Mainland China. The Central Clearing and Settlement System generates the relevant items and submits to HKICL by Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited for settlement on the same day.
Interbank Intraday Liquidity Facility
A new Interbank Intraday Liquidity Facility function is introduced in HKD CHATS, USD CHATS, RMB CHATS and Euro CHATS on 18 January 2016. It serves to enhance efficiency of the liquidity provision mechanism between Liquidity Provider(s) and its registered Liquidity Consumer(s) in respective CHATS.
News in 2015
Electronic Cheque (“e-Cheque”) Service
The e-Cheque service, launched on 7 December 2015, is an integrated presentment, clearing and settlement platform to facilitate (i) payee to present e-Cheques (including e-Cashier’s Orders) to its bank through presentment channels such as internet banking system provided by the payee’s bank or the e-Cheque Drop Box Service provided by HKICL; and (ii) clearing and settlement of e-Cheque payments. Under the e-Cheque service, both the payer and payee can execute timely payments enabled by electronic means.
RMB FINInform Payments
A new payment function is introduced in RMB CHATS on 14 September 2015 allowing Direct Participants (DPs) to act as settlement banks for registered indirect users, namely Global Users (GUs), where the GUs can exchange RMB payment messages via SWIFT’s FINInform Y-copy service for the account of their respective DPs, thus enhancing straight-through-processing, efficiency and transparency of RMB RTGS payment processing.
Extension of Renminbi ("RMB") CHATS and Central Moneymarkets Unit Processor (“CMUP”) Operating Window
With further rising demand for RMB clearing service around the world and to further strengthen Hong Kong’s offshore RMB market, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and RMB Clearing Bank have approved an extension of the RMB CHATS operating hours from the current window between 08:30 hours and 23:30 hours (the bank cut-off time), to between 08:30 hours and 05:00 hours (the bank cut-off time) of the next calendar day on all weekdays except 1 January starting from Monday, 20 July 2015. RMB CHATS will also open between 08:30 hours and 18:30 hours (the bank cut-off time) on special Saturdays and Sundays which are designated as working days in Mainland China. To facilitate RMB clearing members to better manage their RMB liquidity, the daily closing time of CMUP has also been extended from 23:30 hours to 05:00 hours of the next calendar day to align with the operation schedule of RMB CHATS on all weekdays.
News in 2014
Monthly Intraday Liquidity Monitoring Report
To facilitate Member’s management of intraday liquidity, a new Monthly Intraday Liquidity Monitoring Report was introduced to CHATS of all four clearing currencies on 17 November 2014. This new report facilitates Members to monitor their intraday liquidity usage and positions arising from CHATS activities.
Payment-versus-Payment Settlement for US Dollar ("USD") and Thai Baht ("THB")
A new cross-border payment-versus-payment (PvP) link between the USD CHATS and the BAHTNET system (Bank of Thailand’s Thai Baht RTGS system) for settlement of USD/THB foreign exchange transactions was launched on 28 July 2014. This new link facilitates PvP settlement of USD/THB foreign exchange transactions by eliminating settlement risk for the banking institutions in Hong Kong and Thailand.
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Money Settlement Service
To enhance the efficiency of MPF funds settlement among trustees arising from investor portfolio transfers, the HKMA and Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority have jointly introduced money settlement for MPF funds transfer (“MPF Money Settlement Service”) under the Central Moneymarkets Unit (“CMU”) of the HKMA with effect from 19 May 2014.
All MPF trustees in Hong Kong will participate as CMU members and engage settlement banks who are Members of the Clearing House to carry out money settlement on their behalf in the new MPF bulk settlement run in the HKD clearing system.
News in 2013
Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP)
EBPP, a platform established by the joint effort of Hong Kong’s banking industry, provides a single consolidated platform that enables the general public to receive and pay bills, or to make donations and receive donation receipts via their internet banking systems. Effective from 18 November 2013, participating banks can exchange merchant, enrolment, bill presentment and donation receipt information through this centralised service. In addition, bill related payments and donations in HKD, USD or RMB can be settled via the corresponding clearing and settlement service.
Delivery versus Payment Link with Euroclear Bank
To facilitate cross-border collateralised lending and borrowing, the delivery versus payment (DvP) facilities of CHATS is extended to securities transactions settled in Euroclear Bank effective 17 June 2013. A linkage between the CHATS of HKICL and global tripartite repo system of Euroclear Bank is established for supporting DvP settlement of the transfer of collateralised securities in Euroclear Bank and the transfer of funds in CHATS simultaneously.
Alphanumeric Clearing Code
Effective 18 March 2013, three-digit alphanumeric clearing codes will be introduced for overseas direct participants (“DPs”) of USD Clearing, Euro Clearing and RMB Clearing, so as to save the usage of the current three-digit numeric clearing codes for local clearing member. Alphanumeric clearing codes will be assigned to overseas DPs that do not participate in bulk clearing and CCASS money settlement services (including paper cheque clearing, CCASS and other electronic clearing service, and/or CCASS real-time DvP service).
HKICL Network (ICLNet)
ICLNet, a secure, open, scalable, and high performance restricted-access private IP-based network for connecting the respective computer systems of the financial institutions and other licensed financial entities in Hong Kong to exchange electronic data efficiently and in a secure manner, commenced operations on 18 March 2013.
News in 2012
Dual Sites Operations
HKICL relocated its production clearing centre, data centre and main office from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon on 17 December 2012. The Hong Kong Island offices were converted into the Company’s backup clearing and data centre at the same time. With a view to providing better clearing service and bringing convenience to Members after HKICL’s relocation, clearing counter services are provided at both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon centres (Dual Sites Operations) to facilitate Members’ outward submission and inward collection of clearing/returned items.
Cross-border Autodebit Service between Guangdong (“GD”) and Hong Kong (“HK”) using China UnionPay HKD/RMB Debit Cards and Direct Debit RMB Account
Following the launch of the cross-border autodebit service between Shenzhen and HK that enables customers in Hong Kong to make autodebit payments to merchants such as utility companies, telephone operators, estate management companies, etc. in Shenzhen, China, this service has been extended to cover Guangdong province starting from 16 July 2012. This service provides greater convenience to customers in Hong Kong, who can make payments by debiting their China UnionPay HKD/RMB debit cards, or RMB bank accounts in Hong Kong to eligible merchants in the Guangdong Province.
Extension of Renminbi ("RMB") CHATS and Central Moneymarkets Unit Processor ("CMUP") Operating Window
To strengthen Hong Kong’s capability in settling overseas RMB payments, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and RMB Clearing Bank have approved an extension of the RMB CHATS operating hours from the current window between 08:30 hours and 18:30 hours (the bank cut-off time), to between 08:30 hours and 23:30 hours (the bank cut-off time) on all weekdays except 1 January effective Monday, 25 June 2012. To facilitate RMB clearing members to better manage their RMB liquidity, the daily closing time of CMUP has also been extended from 18:30 hours to 23:30 hours to align with the operation schedule of RMB CHATS.
News in 2011
RMB EPS and RMB Same Day Settlement EPS
As a continuous expansion of the RMB business in Hong Kong, we have launched the new RMB EPS and RMB Same Day Settlement services on 21 November 2011. These services facilitate the clearing and settlement of retail payment transactions of the participating merchants of EPSCO in RMB currency.
CCASS T+2 Money Settlement Service ("Service")
The Service was launched on 25 July 2011. Under the new arrangement, the overnight credit risk arising from the settlement gap between stock and money is minimized since the securities trades settled by the Central Clearing and Settlement System operated by Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited and the interbank money settlement for these trades via HKICL would be done on the same day.
Renminbi ("RMB") Autopay and RMB Special CCASS Items
To support the expansion of RMB business in Hong Kong, we have launched a new RMB Autodebit and Autocredit service on 21 March 2011. Furthermore, to facilitate the timely clearing and settlement of RMB Initial Public Offering refund, a new bulk clearing service for RMB Special CCASS items was introduced also on the said date.
News in 2010
Regional CHATS Payment Service (“RCPS”)
To sustain Hong Kong’s status as a regional hub and to cope with the expansion of local Renminbi (“RMB”) business, the RCPS has been enhanced to include RMB in addition to the original 3 currencies, i.e. HKD, USD and Euro. This additional service is available since 20 December 2010. RCPS service providers who wish to provide RMB RCPS can subscribe this enhanced service with HKICL.
Same Day Settlement JETCO Items
This new service launched on 20 September 2010 allows the members of Joint Electronic Teller Services Limited (“JETCO”) an option to enjoy earlier funds availability as the interbank payments initiated by JETCO are settled within the same day of submission. The existing settlement on the working day after submission remains unchanged.
Same Day Settlement EPS Items
This new service launched on 20 September 2010 allows the participating merchants of Easy Payment System (“EPS”) an option to enjoy earlier funds availability as the settlement of the EPS items submitted to HKICL by Easy Payment System Company (Hong Kong) Limited is done within the same day of submission. The existing settlement on the working day after submission remains unchanged.
Cross-border Autodebit Service Using China UnionPay HKD Debit Cards
In view of the frequent economic interaction between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, we have launched a Cross-border Autodebit Service jointly with China UnionPay (“CUP”) and Shenzhen Financial Electronic Settlement Centre on 27 September 2010. This service facilitates payment made by debtors in Hong Kong to merchants in Shenzhen using CUP HKD Debit Card.
Browser-based RTGS front-end applications on SWIFTNet and Internet
The front-end terminal applications of the RTGS systems were successfully migrated from the text-based MBT/400 and CMT/400 to browser-based applications on 12 July 2010. After the migration, eMBT via SWIFTNet is the front-end terminal application of CHATS of all clearing currencies, while eCMT via SWIFTNet and iCMT via the Internet are the front-end terminal applications of the HKMA's CMU. The new eMBT, eCMT and iCMT are user friendly applications that improve the users’ operations in addition to the enhanced system functionalities.
Payment-versus-Payment Settlement for US Dollar ("USD") and Indonesian Rupiah ("IDR")
A new payment system linkage between the USD CHATS and the BI-RTGS System (Bank Indonesia's RTGS system) for payment-versus-payment (“PvP”) settlement of USD/IDR foreign exchange transactions was launched on 25 January 2010. This new payment systems linkage facilitates PvP settlement of USD/IDR foreign exchange transactions as a measure to eliminate settlement risk for the banking institutions in Hong Kong and Indonesia.
News in 2009
The establishment of cross-border links with the clearing and settlement systems of other Asian countries will help developing Hong Kong into a payment and settlement hub for the region. Following the successful linkage of USD CHATS with RENTAS (a real time electronic transfer of funds and securities system) in Malaysia to facilitate the real time payment versus payment transactions of USD/Malaysian Ringgit, and the settlement in Hong Kong of the cash leg of the real time delivery versus payment transactions of USD bonds traded in Malaysia, a cross border link for fund transfers between Hong Kong’s RTGS systems and the Mainland’s foreign currency RTGS systems was launched on 16 March 2009. This cross border link facilitates 2-way real-time USD, HKD and Euro funds transfers between banks in Hong Kong and banks participating in the RTGS systems of the respective currencies in the Mainland. A list of the banks in Mainland that participate in the cross border link can be found on HKICL website.
Effective 25 May 2009, the RTGS systems of all clearing currencies are able to support payment transactions transmitted in SWIFT message format.
News in 2008
Effective 23 June 2008, in addition to HKD cheques, USD cheques drawn on banks in Macau and presented by banks in Hong Kong can be settled on the following working day.
The RTGS operating hours were extended by one hour from 17:30 hours to 18:30 hours, Mondays to Fridays except General Holidays, effective 3 November 2008 in order to allow banks in Hong Kong that have business with the Mainland and western Asian countries more time to process their remittance payments which in turn could enhance their services and help developing Hong Kong as a regional payment HUB to serve the neighbour countries in the region.
A new clearing service to enhance the refund process of the electronic initial public offering (“eIPO”) of the Central Clearing and Settlement System (“CCASS”) was launched on 15 December 2008. Under this new service, the inter-bank settlement of the eIPO refund monies is performed on the refund day so that the CCASS participants can receive the refund monies in good funds on the same day instead of previously on the working day following the refund day. .
News in 2007
The Regional CHATS Payment Services was launched in July 2007 which linked all participants of the existing HKD, USD and Euro RTGS systems in Hong Kong in order to build an extensive correspondent network to facilitate the cross-border payments through the RTGS systems in Hong Kong during Asian business hours.
To support the clearing and settlement of the RMB-denominated transactions in Hong Kong, a full-fledged Renminbi RTGS system, and the RMB local cheque clearing were introduced on 18 June 2007.
The one-way clearing for HKD cheques drawn on banks in Hong Kong and presented by banks in Macau was introduced in August 2007 to reduce the time taken for Macau residents to receive funds.
The linkage between Hong Kong’s USD RTGS Systems and Malaysia’s Rentas Scriptless Securities Trading System for delivery-versus-payment settlement of USD bonds in Malaysia was introduced on 12 November 2007. This linkage eliminates settlement risk of USD bonds issued and traded in Malaysia by ensuring simultaneous delivery of US dollars in Hong Kong and USD bonds in Malaysia.
The opening of the RTGS settlement window was advanced by 30 minutes from 09:00 hours to 08:30 hours with effect from 3 December 2007 in order to allow banks more time for the settlement of CCASS related payments given the booming stock market, which in turn helps banks to better manage their liquidity for the settlement of CCASS items.
News in 2006
Payment versus Payment (PvP) Settlement for USD and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Central Bank of Malaysia has agreed to establish a link between the Ringgit real-time gross settlement system in Malaysia (the RENTAS system) and the USD real-time gross settlement system in Hong Kong (USD RTGS system). This payment link enables the reduction of foreign exchange settlement risk through the implementation of a PvP mechanism during the Malaysia and Hong Kong business hours, and helps to increase the efficiency and safety of payment systems in Malaysia and in the region, in particular to manage FX settlement risk exposure for the FX transactions involving the US dollar and MYR.
This new system was launched on 13 November 2006.
Renminbi Settlement System
HKICL has been engaged by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, the Clearing Bank ("CB") for RMB business in Hong Kong, to develop a Renminbi Settlement System ("RSS") that provides participants of this system with RMB cheque clearing service, and real-time RMB payment services including RMB position-squaring, remittance processing, and RMB bank card payment.
Licensed banks in Hong Kong, as well as their credit card subsidiaries can join the RSS with the permission from the CB and the HKMA, and each participant has to maintain a settlement account with the CB. The RSS is launched on 6 March 2006.