HKMA welcomes CMU's expanded international network and service offerings
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) welcomes the official launch of the direct linkage between the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) of Hong Kong and SIX of Switzerland today (July 29), which also marks the launch of CMU OmniClear Limited's (CMU OmniClear) equity post-trade services for the first time.
Since its establishment in 2024, CMU OmniClear has been actively driving the internationalisation and commercialisation of CMU's operations on behalf of the HKMA. The new direct linkage with SIX provides CMU Members with direct access to securities in the Swiss and Spanish markets. This further expands CMU's global network and connectivity, underscoring Hong Kong's unparalleled role as a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the international market.
The inaugural launch of CMU OmniClear's equity post-trade services also demonstrates CMU's capability to deliver a comprehensive suite of services to its clients, enabling investors to manage their diversified asset portfolios more efficiently and effectively. This milestone is a strong testament to Hong Kong's dual role as both a "super connector" and a "super value-adder".
The Chief Executive of the HKMA and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of CMU OmniClear Holdings Limited, Mr Eddie Yue,said, "We are pleased to see the successful launch of the direct linkage between CMU and SIX, and equity post-trade services by CMU OmniClear. This represents a significant step forward in CMU’s strategic transformation into a one-stop, multi-asset class post-trade securities infrastructure. Looking ahead, CMU will continue to expand its global footprint and enrich its service offerings to meet evolving market demands, thereby further boosting the development of Hong Kong's fixed income and currency market, and solidifying its leading status as an international financial centre."
CMU is Hong Kong's central securities depository infrastructure. By the end of June 2026, assets under custody of CMU exceeded HK$5.5 trillion equivalent.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Photo source: reference image
Man sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment for smuggling dried seahorses
A 69-year-old Indonesian man, who smuggled dried seahorses into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (July 29) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to10 months'imprisonment.
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the male passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand, on September 16 last year. Upon inspection of the man's luggage by Customs officers, a batch of suspected controlled dried seahorses was found concealed among food items in an attempt to evade detection. AFCD officers attended the scene, examined the specimens and confirmed that they were controlled dried seahorses, weighing a total of 6.18 kilograms, with an estimated market value of about $150,000. The man was prosecuted by the AFCD for illegal import of specimens of endangered species. He was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 15 months' imprisonment for sentencing. With a one-third reduction given for his guilty plea, the defendant was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.
Seahorses are listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 yearswith the specimens forfeited.
The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species."
Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk for information on the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.
A 69-year-old Indonesian man, who smuggled dried seahorses into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (July 29) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment. Photo shows the dried seahorses found in the man's luggage. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
