Rongchai Wang
Jul 29, 2026 16:08
HKMA’s CMU connects with Switzerland’s SIX and debuts equity post-trade services, marking a leap in Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced the launch of a direct linkage between the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) and Switzerland’s SIX. The move, effective July 29, 2026, also marks the debut of equity post-trade services by CMU OmniClear. These developments are expected to further bolster Hong Kong’s role as a global financial nexus, enhancing cross-border securities access and operational efficiency.
CMU OmniClear, established in 2024 to spearhead CMU’s internationalization and operational growth, now provides direct access to securities from Swiss and Spanish markets through this new linkage. This deepens CMU’s global footprint and reinforces Hong Kong’s dual function as a “super connector” for Chinese and international markets and a “super value-adder” for financial services, according to HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue.
“The successful launch of this direct linkage and new services represents a significant advance in CMU’s evolution into a multi-asset post-trade securities infrastructure,” Yue stated. He emphasized that CMU will continue to innovate and expand its offerings to meet global market demands while strengthening Hong Kong’s fixed income and currency markets.
CMU, operating as Hong Kong’s central securities depository (CSD) since 1990, plays a vital role in supporting government bond issuance, offshore RMB bond markets, and Bond Connect. By the end of June 2026, CMU managed assets under custody exceeding HK$5.5 trillion, underscoring its importance in the region’s financial ecosystem.
The addition of equity post-trade services is particularly noteworthy. Traditionally focused on fixed-income instruments such as Exchange Fund Bills and Notes, CMU’s expansion into equities marks a strategic diversification aimed at meeting the growing needs of institutional investors. These services are expected to allow more efficient portfolio management, especially for clients with diversified asset holdings.
This announcement follows other major developments for CMU in 2026, including facilitating the issuance of Renminbi Bills by the People’s Bank of China earlier this year. These efforts collectively highlight HKMA’s proactive approach to enhancing Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure and fortifying its position as a global bond and securities hub.
Looking ahead, the HKMA plans to further strengthen CMU’s capabilities as part of its broader mission to ensure that Hong Kong remains a leading international financial center. With this milestone, the city has taken another step toward integrating more seamlessly with global financial markets while maintaining its critical role in connecting mainland China to the world.
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