Participating banks in IP Financing Sandbox complete credit approval for first batch of pilot cases
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Photo source: reference image
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (September 30) that the participating banks in the Intellectual Property (IP) Financing Sandbox have completed credit approvals for seven pilot cases, covering industries including electronics, construction, toy manufacturing and medical device (see Annex). The loan amounts range from HK$1 million to HK$39 million and will be used for working capital, business expansion and market promotion. This first batch of pilot cases has demonstrated the potential for leveraging IPs such as patents and trade marks to access financing, laying a practical foundation to bolster the IP financing ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The HKMA, in collaboration with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and Intellectual Property Department, launched the IP Financing Sandbox in December 2025. The initiative is supported by the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB). Three major banks (Note)in Hong Kong took the lead in joining the Sandbox where they piloted IP financing arrangements with corporate customers from various industries and professional service providers under a risk-controlled environment. By incorporating IP valuation reports issued by valuation service providers into their credit assessment and approval processes, banks can offer higher loan amounts or more favourable interest rates to borrowers based on independent professional valuations, thereby enhancing the financing capability of small and medium enterprises which are rich in IP assets.
The first batch of pilot cases has provided valuable practical insights for banks, valuation service providers and other relevant professions. Participating institutions in the Sandbox also saw room to further enhance the broader IP financing ecosystem, including strengthening funding support for IP-related professional service fees, optimising the IP valuation process, and raising market awareness and professional capabilities.
The HKMA will continue to collaborate closely with the Government, HKAB, the banking sector and other relevant stakeholders to promote the development of Hong Kong as a regional IP trading centre.
Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Note: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.
AFCD announces arrangements at ecotourism hotspots for National Day Golden Week of Mainland
In anticipation of a large number of visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 7), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 30) announced the following preparation and deployment of management work at different ecotourism hotspots during the holiday period:
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image
High Island Reservoir East Dam
In addition to deploying additional manpower to strengthen management of the East Dam area of High Island Reservoir, the AFCD will use drones equipped with broadcasting functions to conduct surveillance regularly from above the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and remind visitors not to cross the railings. The AFCD will disseminate visitor flow information for the East Dam area via the ''Enjoy Hiking" Information on Visitor Flow at East Dam of High Island Reservoir webpage to help visitors better plan their trips. Furthermore, the AFCD will continue to trial the online real-name reservation arrangement for the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section, and implement crowd management measures at the Po Pin Chau Section and the viewing platform. Reservations for October 1 to 5 are fully booked for the entire day, while limited quotas remain available for certain time slots on the remaining days. Please pay attention to the latest announcements by the AFCD.
The Po Pin Chau Section, Photo source: FB@AFCD
Campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan in Sai Kung
The AFCD will deploy additional staff day and night to patrol, be stationed, enforce regulations against violations, and use CCTV systems to assist in monitoring the campsites. The AFCD staff on-site will enhance publicity on safe hiking, caring for the environment, animals and plants, maintaining cleanliness, and observing camping behaviour and etiquette. They will also strengthen cleaning and waste management efforts around campsites.
The AFCD will provide strainers for collecting food residues outside the Ham Tin public toilet and will, on a trial basis, lend small grill stands to campers in need at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites to help maintain campsite cleanliness. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has installed an eco-smart toilet near the Ham Tin public toilet to provide additional cubicles and washing facilities, and will deploy toilet attendants to be on duty daily during holidays to enhance cleaning services.
Shui Hau on Lantau Island, Photo source: reference image
Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island
The AFCD will increase and deploy staff, and use drones to monitor conditions on the beach and along the coastal area. The department will also conduct joint patrols with the FEHD, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force to carry out publicity and education and maintain order; once frontline staff observe anyone attempting acts that may damage the ecology, such as damaging, disturbing, feeding or collecting marine organisms, or entering the water at coral locations—they will intervene immediately. The Government will also enhance cleaning of public places on the island.
In addition, the AFCD will collaborate with the WWF-Hong Kong to set up a public education booth at the pier of Sharp Island and the beach backshore to promote marine conservation messages and guidelines for appreciating nature. Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides will also patrol the nearshore waters to remind snorkelers to follow coral-friendly routes for entering and exiting the water to avoid accidentally trampling on corals.
The AFCD will monitor visitor flow at Shui Hau on Lantau Island, patrol the Shui Hau sandflat and work with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to organise public education activities, including setting up an educational booth, distributing conservation leaflets, and engaging visitors with information on how to protect horseshoe crabs and the surrounding coastal environment.
The Po Pin Chau Section, Photo source: FB@AFCD
Reminders on hiking safety and protecting the natural environment
The AFCD urges visitors to pay attention to hiking safety, follow outdoor etiquette and codes, and use only officially managed and maintained trails in country parks. Information boards and direction signs have been placed at appropriate locations in country parks, and warning signs have been erected near locations with dangerous terrains to remind visitors not to get close to dangerous areas to avoid accidents. Visitors should follow the signs and stay on official trails, and must not cross railings or stand close to cliff edges, coastal fringes, steep slopes and other dangerous locations. Visitors must prioritise their personal safety and should not take risks by using shortcuts or for the sake of taking photos or sightseeing.
Hikers should assess their physical capabilities, make adequate preparations before setting out and pay attention to weather conditions. They should wear appropriate clothing and prepare sufficient drinking water to prevent heatstroke, avoid hiking alone, and ensure that mobile phones are fully charged so that help can be sought by calling 999 or 112 in case of an emergency. For information on hiking safety and outdoor etiquette and codes, please visit the ''Enjoy Hiking" Hiking Information on Green Tourism webpage.
Country parks are valuable natural resources. Caring for the natural environment and keeping it clean are every visitor's responsibility. Visitors should practise "Take Your Litter Home" and hiking etiquette. Camping is permitted only at designated campsites, and fire can only be used at designated barbecue sites or campsites.
The AFCD particularly reminds visitors not to climb trees, disturb or harm wild animals and plants, or cause a nuisance to other visitors. According to the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), any person who fells, cuts, burns or otherwise destroys any trees in a forest or plantation without lawful authority or excuse shall commit an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.
The AFCD will strengthen patrols, publicity and education work at the above ecotourism hotspots during the holiday. Enforcement action will be taken immediately against any violations.
High Island Reservoir East Dam, Photo source: reference image
