中国基金报·2025-06-20 15:02Core Viewpoint - The launch of the Cross-Border Payment Link on June 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the financial connectivity between Mainland China and Hong Kong, with six banks from each region participating as initial institutions [2][4]. Group 1: Overview of Cross-Border Payment Link - The Cross-Border Payment Link connects the Mainland online payment interbank clearing system with Hong Kong's Fast Payment System, providing real-time cross-border payment services for residents of both regions [2][6]. - This initiative is part of the central government's support for Hong Kong's development and aims to enhance financial cooperation between the two regions, improving payment efficiency and service levels [6][8]. Group 2: Participating Banks - The initial participating banks from Mainland China include Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, and China Merchants Bank [10]. - The Hong Kong banks involved are Bank of China (Hong Kong), East Asia Bank, China Construction Bank (Asia), Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, and ICBC (Asia) [10]. Group 3: Services Offered - The Cross-Border Payment Link supports convenient remittance services for residents, including salary payments, tuition fees, and medical expenses, without requiring business background documentation for small amounts [7][8]. - It allows for two-way remittance services, facilitating transactions for individuals holding identification from either region [7][8]. Group 4: Market Response and Future Prospects - Following the announcement, banks like Bank of China (Hong Kong) and East Asia Bank expressed strong demand for cross-border services, with East Asia Bank reporting a 112% year-on-year increase in cross-border payment transactions in Q1 2025 [11][12]. - HSBC and ICBC (Asia) plan to offer fee-free services and real-time transactions, enhancing customer experience and promoting cross-border economic activities [12][15].