Hong Kong Launches New HK$50 Billion Silver Bond for Senior Residents

Government launches new batch of Silver Bond (with photos/video)

The Government announced today (August 29) the launch of a new batch of Silver Bond for subscription by eligible Hong Kong residents.

The target issuance size of this batch of Silver Bond is HK$50billion, with each unit offered at HK$10,000 and a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually at a rate linked to inflation in Hong Kong, subject to a minimum of 3.85 per cent. The Government may exercise discretion to increase the target issuance size to a maximum of HK$55 billion from HK$50 billion, subject to market response. Hong Kong residents who turn 60 in or before 2026 (i.e. those born in 1966 or before) holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card will be eligible for subscription.

The bonds are the retail part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Programme Framework. The Government will publish information on the allocation of the proceeds on an annual basis.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to issue Silver Bond this year to provide a safe, reliable and low-risk investment option with steady returns for senior citizens. It further promotes financial inclusion and encourages financial institutions to tap into the immense potential of the silver market. Bond proceeds from this batch of Silver Bond will be used to fund the implementation of infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people's livelihood, so as to support the sustained economic development of Hong Kong."

There will be no secondary market for Silver Bond. Bondholders may sell their bonds before maturity to the Government at par together with accrued but unpaid interest. To encourage greater participation from citizens, a maximum allocation of HK$1 million per investor is stipulated, meaning that each investor is allocated 100 units of retail bonds at most.

The subscription period of Silver Bond will start from 9am on September 15 and end at 2pm on September 29. The bonds will be issued on October 10. Eligible Hong Kong residents may apply for the bonds through one of the placing banks and designated securities brokers. The offering terms and subscription arrangements of Silver Bond, including the list of placing banks and designated securities brokers, will be available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website (www.hkgb.gov.hk).

Government launches new batch of Silver Bond (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government launches new batch of Silver Bond (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 to be held this weekend

The "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026, organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will be held at the Cyberport Arcade between 11am and 6pm this weekend (January 17 and 18). Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join the event with their dogs.

The Adoption Carnival aims to encourage members of the public who intend to keep pets, to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals, as well as promote responsible pet ownership. The co-organisers of the Carnival include Cheung Chau Animal Care, HK Saving Cat and Dog Association, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, Paws United Charity, Society for Abandoned Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Members of the public can interact with dogs that are up for adoption at the Adoption Carnival. Dog keepers can apply for or renew licenses on site. The Carnival also features veterinary consultation services, a dog playground, a virtual reality gaming experience, game booths, an interactive educational exhibition, pet-themed handicraft workshops, as well as sharing sessions by representatives of animal welfare organisations (AWOs) and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to take part with their dogs. However, dogs entering the venue should be licensed (except for those to be licensed on-site), vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. All dogs should also be kept under proper control.

The AFCD has been committed to encouraging members of the public who wish to keep pets to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals through the AFCD's partnering AWOs. Upon receiving animals, the AFCD will transfer animals assessed by veterinarians as being in good health and suitable for adoption to partnering AWOs for adoption by members of the public. The AFCD provides free desexing operations for cats, dogs and rabbits adopted through partnering AWOs.

For details of the event, please visit the thematic website of the "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 (www.petswithlove.com.hk).

Source: AI-found images