HKSAR Government expresses gratitude for country's support for launch of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong
In response to the announcement by the Central Authorities, the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong issued an announcement today (June 18) that Mainland government bond futures will be launched in Hong Kong. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) welcomes this initiative.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: reference image
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong ranks third globally and first in Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index, and is one of the world's leading bond markets. We have been pursuing and working with the Mainland on the introduction of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong. Since the launch of Bond Connect in 2017, the scale of Chinese bond assets held by overseas investors has steadily increased, rising from around RMB0.8 trillion in June 2017 to over RMB3 trillion in April 2026. With growing demand for Renminbi-denominated products and related hedging instruments, the introduction of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong marks an important development milestone, providing an effective offshore risk management tool for investors. It enables investors to manage their interest rate exposures more efficiently and conveniently, further attracts international investors to participate in the Mainland bond market and to hold Renminbi treasury bonds on a long-term basis, and fosters the healthy development of the treasury bond market, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong's position as a bond centre. I sincerely thank the Central People's Government and relevant Mainland regulators for their support all along."
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, Photo source: reference image
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "The launch of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong not only introduces an additional offshore risk management instrument, but also makes the suite of hedging tools more complete for international investors to manage Renminbi interest rate risks. This will help enhance the liquidity and market depth of treasury bonds, thereby attracting more global capital to participate in the Mainland treasury bond market. Introducing Mainland government bond futures marks a pivotal step in enhancing Hong Kong's Renminbi product ecosystem and deepening mutual market access. It is conducive to driving the development of structured products, as well as asset management and risk management services in Hong Kong, further consolidating Hong Kong's status as the world's leading offshore Renminbi hub and an international risk management centre. We are grateful for the strong support from the Central Authorities. The HKSAR Government and financial regulators will take forward the implementation of the relevant arrangements expeditiously."
According to the announcement, a five-year Mainland government bond futures contract will be launched in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited is undertaking the necessary preparatory work, including proposed amendments to relevant rules, and will announce further details of the contract.
