Hong Kong firms tap new Swap Connect rule to hedge yuan rate risks

Group 1 - Companies in Hong Kong are leveraging a new Swap Connect rule to hedge against yuan interest-rate risks, following the introduction of the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) as a floating reference-rate option [1][3][5] - The Swap Connect initiative, launched in 2023, allows global investors to access mainland China's interbank financial derivatives market, enhancing product offerings for managing interest-rate risks [2][6] - The new measure is expected to increase the utilization of Hong Kong's offshore yuan market by global businesses, attracting more international investors to the mainland capital market [7][8] Group 2 - The one-year LPR provides a benchmark closely aligned with mainland China's lending market, aiding offshore corporate treasuries in managing yuan exposures [3][5] - Financial institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank, have begun facilitating transactions using the one-year LPR, marking a significant step in offering more flexible and effective yuan interest-rate hedging tools [6][8] - The enhancement of Swap Connect is anticipated to accelerate the internationalization of the yuan, as it allows offshore investors to manage interest-rate risks more effectively [8]