Group 1 - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has announced an agreement to acquire a 20% stake in Clearstream Settlement Limited, reinforcing their strategic partnership to promote the long-term development of Hong Kong's fixed income and currency (FIC) market ecosystem [2] - HKEX will invest up to HKD 455 million to subscribe for newly issued shares of Clearstream Settlement Holdings Limited, resulting in HKEX and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) holding 20% and 80% stakes respectively after the transaction [2] - This strategic investment is based on a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2025, highlighting HKEX's commitment to solidifying Hong Kong as a leading center for fixed income and currency, as well as an offshore RMB business hub [2] Group 2 - The collaboration between HKEX and HKMA aims to leverage their resources, technology, talent, and market expertise to accelerate the development of post-trade securities infrastructure in Hong Kong, positioning it as a major Central Securities Depository (CSD) in the region [3] - Specific measures will include further commercial development of the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) and expanding investor CSD services, custodial asset categories, and collateral management services to enhance CMU's market competitiveness [3] - The initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency across asset classes for Hong Kong's CSD platform [3]