一揽子举措相继落地金融高水平开放深度广度持续拓展

Core Insights - China's financial management authorities have implemented a series of policies to expand the breadth and depth of financial openness, aiming to create a new high-level open financial framework [1][2] - The cross-border financial sector is experiencing robust growth, with significant progress made in financial market connectivity and international capital allocation during the first half of the year [1][2] Financial Openness Measures - The foreign investment threshold for financial institutions has been significantly relaxed, with the removal of the $2 billion total asset requirement for Hong Kong and Macau financial institutions investing in domestic insurance companies [2] - As of now, foreign banks and insurance institutions in China hold total assets exceeding 7 trillion yuan, with foreign insurance companies accounting for 9% of the domestic market share [2] International Standards Alignment - In January, the People's Bank of China and other departments issued 20 policy measures to enhance the institutional openness of free trade zones, allowing foreign financial institutions to offer similar services as domestic ones [3] - The cross-border payment system launched in June aims to improve the efficiency of cross-border payments and facilitate trade and personnel exchanges between regions [3] Market Connectivity - The China Securities Regulatory Commission revised the mutual recognition mechanism for funds between the mainland and Hong Kong, increasing the sales ratio limit from 50% to 80% [4] - As of May 2025, foreign institutions are expected to hold 4.4 trillion yuan in Chinese bonds, marking a nearly 400% increase since the launch of the Bond Connect program [4] Shanghai Free Trade Zone Initiatives - Shanghai is actively promoting high-level financial openness in its free trade zone, with measures to facilitate cross-border financing and enhance the international financial center's capabilities [5][6] - By May, the number of cross-border funding pools established by multinational companies in Shanghai reached 169, with a total external debt quota of $246.83 billion [6] Payment Convenience for Foreigners - The acquisition of domestic payment institutions by foreign electronic payment companies has improved payment convenience for foreigners in China, achieving comprehensive coverage for various payment methods [7] Future Outlook - China's commitment to expanding high-level financial openness remains unchanged, with plans to replicate successful practices from free trade zones and enhance foreign participation in financial services [8] - Experts suggest that while the breadth of financial openness has been achieved, there is still room for deepening, particularly in core business areas where foreign investment can provide unique advantages [8][9]