互换通：月成交增660%，多项优化待落地

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has reported significant growth in the Swap Connect since its launch in May 2023, with monthly transaction amounts increasing from 50 billion yuan to 380 billion yuan by May 2025, representing a 660% growth [1] - The expansion of the Swap Connect reflects strong demand from international investors and is expected to continue growing as the internationalization of the renminbi accelerates [1] Summary by Sections Launch and Growth - The Swap Connect officially started on May 15, 2023, with only 22 offshore investors participating and a first-month transaction amount of 50 billion yuan [1] - By April 2025, the total value of onshore fixed-income products held by international investors reached 4.4 trillion yuan, a 10% increase from the previous year [1] - As of the first quarter of 2025, the number of offshore investors participating in the Swap Connect exceeded 80, with a monthly transaction amount of 380 billion yuan in May 2025, significantly surpassing expectations [1] Market Impact - The transaction amount of the Swap Connect accounted for approximately 8% of the domestic interest rate swap market as of May 2025 [1] - Since December 2024, the trading volume in the Swap Connect has accelerated, with March 2025 seeing record monthly trading volume and transaction counts [1] Regulatory and Structural Enhancements - The rules governing the Swap Connect have been continuously optimized since its launch, including an expansion of eligible collateral for northbound swaps in January 2025 and an extension of the maximum remaining term for interest rate swap contracts from 10 years to 30 years [1] - These enhancements are expected to provide breakthroughs for the offshore derivatives market, including improved hedging tools and increased capital efficiency [1] Future Developments - HKEX plans to expand the product types available in the Swap Connect later this year, including contracts referencing the one-year loan market quotation rate [1] - The share of global trade settled in renminbi has reached nearly 6%, surpassing the euro, with cross-border renminbi settlements between China and ASEAN countries exceeding 5.8 trillion yuan in 2024, more than double that of 2021 [1] Investor Sentiment - The Swap Connect has become the preferred interest rate risk hedging tool for offshore investment institutions, with some investors shifting from the NDIRS market to the Swap Connect for risk hedging and arbitrage opportunities [1] - Analysts suggest that narrowing NDD spreads will attract more overseas investors, enhancing market participation and activity [1]