Core Viewpoint - The "Financial Infrastructure Supervision and Management Measures" has been approved and will take effect on October 1, 2025, aiming to enhance the regulatory framework for financial infrastructure in China [1][3]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of Financial Infrastructure - Financial infrastructure includes systems for asset registration, clearing and settlement, trading facilities, important payment systems, and credit systems, serving as a crucial backbone for financial market operations [2]. - The establishment of a robust financial infrastructure is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of financial markets, especially in the context of complex international environments and rapid financial technology advancements [2][9]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework - The management of financial infrastructure will follow the principle of "who approves, who supervises, who is responsible," ensuring alignment with national strategies and economic needs [4]. - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) will oversee new financial infrastructures related to securities and futures, while the People's Bank of China (PBOC) will manage payment systems and credit systems [4][5]. Group 3: Entry Requirements for Financial Infrastructure Operators - Financial infrastructure operators must be legally established entities in China, with clear governance structures, adequate capital, and necessary operational facilities [8]. - Specific conditions include having a sound risk management framework and compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly for foreign entities providing cross-border services [8]. Group 4: Risk Management and Security - The measures emphasize the need for a robust risk management framework to identify, measure, and manage various risks, including credit and liquidity risks [9]. - While the establishment of a risk management committee is recommended, it is not mandatory for all operators, reflecting adjustments made after public consultations [9].

Core Insights - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) launched the first financial infrastructure service plan in the Chinese banking industry in July 2024, aimed at enhancing a secure and efficient financial infrastructure system [1] - ICBC has focused on building a robust and innovative financial service system to support the new development pattern and high-level opening-up [2] - The bank has actively promoted direct financing development and introduced innovative financial tools to support the growth of new productive forces [3] - ICBC is committed to building a convenient and efficient financial network, acting as a connector for market participants and enhancing the service chain [4] - The bank emphasizes maintaining financial stability and has strengthened risk management to support the stable operation of financial infrastructure [5] Group 1: Financial Infrastructure Development - ICBC has positioned itself as a user, service provider, and co-builder of financial infrastructure, accelerating the implementation of its service plan to support high-quality development [1] - The bank has facilitated the use of the Renminbi in cross-border transactions, connecting 37 institutions to the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) and establishing partnerships with over 700 overseas institutional investors [2] - ICBC has played a significant role in the construction of international financial centers, with a settlement volume exceeding 1.7 trillion yuan for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect [2] Group 2: Direct Financing and Innovation - ICBC has executed the first securities, fund, and insurance company swap convenience tool (SFISF) bond repurchase transaction in the market and launched the "ICBC Securities Smart Link" service plan [3] - The bank has issued the first batch of technology innovation bonds in the interbank market, contributing to the cultivation of new productive forces [3] Group 3: Financial Network and Connectivity - ICBC has achieved full coverage of five centralized clearing agency services at the Shanghai Clearing House, providing services to over 1,600 trading firms with an annual settlement volume exceeding 170 billion yuan [4] - The bank has established a comprehensive online intelligent bill brokerage platform, connecting over 10,000 ticket-holding enterprises with discount funds amounting to 73 billion yuan [4] Group 4: Risk Management and Stability - ICBC has strengthened its risk management framework, focusing on the security of domestic and foreign currency clearing and financial transaction settlements [5] - The bank has provided risk control technology to over 400 small and medium-sized financial institutions, enhancing the stability of the financial industry [5] - The anti-money laundering service platform "Rong An e-Control" has served over 40 peer clients, ensuring security for more than 5.7 billion customers and processing over 150 million transactions daily [5]

Core Viewpoint - Stablecoins have the potential to become a new type of financial infrastructure, bridging the gap between the crypto world and traditional finance, and their development should be strategically considered by China [2][3]. Group 1: What are Stablecoins? - Stablecoins are defined as "the most decentralized among centralized assets and the most centralized among decentralized assets," highlighting their dual nature of being rooted in blockchain technology while also requiring regulatory oversight [3][7]. - They are linked to fiat currencies, which means they must comply with traditional financial regulations, thus acting as a bridge between the crypto and real worlds [3][8]. - The potential applications of stablecoins include cross-border payments, asset preservation, and integration into decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems [3][22]. Group 2: Impact on Financial Markets - Stablecoins can enhance payment efficiency, offering low-cost and fast transactions, particularly beneficial for cross-border payments [38]. - They can improve financial inclusivity, especially in high-inflation economies, by providing a means for asset preservation [41][42]. - However, stablecoins may pose risks to monetary stability and sovereignty in countries with weak financial systems, potentially undermining local currencies and monetary policies [45][46]. Group 3: Influence on International Monetary System - Stablecoins depend on the credit of fiat currencies, primarily the US dollar, and their rise could reshape global capital flows and the international monetary system [54][56]. - They may create new demand in regions with weak financial infrastructure, acting as a substitute for traditional banking systems [55]. - The emergence of stablecoins could challenge the dominance of the US dollar, as they provide alternative payment channels and may facilitate the rise of non-US currencies [56]. Group 4: China's Participation in Stablecoin Development - China should consider issuing offshore RMB stablecoins as a priority to participate in the development of stablecoins, leveraging its position as a major global trade player [5][57]. - The development of stablecoins could enhance China's financial resilience and flexibility in international trade, providing alternatives to traditional payment methods [57]. - However, the potential for stablecoins to bypass capital controls poses significant regulatory challenges for China [4][57].

Group 1 - The Hong Kong Comprehensive Fund Platform, led by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and constructed with the participation of Shenzhen Securities Communication Co., Ltd., has officially launched its order transmission service [1] - This platform serves as a financial infrastructure for the Hong Kong fund market, connecting various participants in the fund distribution ecosystem and providing important information and order transmission functions for funds recognized by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission [1] - The launch of this service is expected to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the fund market and strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international wealth and asset management hub [1]

Core Viewpoint - The development of financial infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Shanghai as an international financial center, with a focus on supporting the real economy, preventing financial risks, and promoting market innovation [1][6][11]. Group 1: Importance of Financial Infrastructure - Financial infrastructure serves as the backbone of the modern financial system, facilitating financial regulation, market openness, resource allocation, risk prevention, and product innovation [1][3]. - A robust financial infrastructure is essential for the high-quality development of financial markets and is a key component of financial system reform [2][4]. Group 2: Role of State-Owned Banks - State-owned banks, particularly the Bank of Communications, play a vital role in enhancing the financial infrastructure and supporting the development of Shanghai as an international financial center [10][11]. - The Bank of Communications aims to leverage its resources to enrich market participant structures and enhance market depth and activity [12][13]. Group 3: Tasks and Requirements for Financial Infrastructure - The elevation of Shanghai's international financial center requires financial infrastructure to provide efficient and diverse services, facilitating global capital allocation and supporting technological innovation [7][8]. - Financial infrastructure must also enhance risk prevention capabilities to ensure financial security and stability, particularly in the context of international financial activities [8][9]. Group 4: International Standards and Governance - The development of financial infrastructure should align with international high standards to participate effectively in global financial governance, promoting both inbound and outbound financial activities [9][14]. - Mechanisms such as "Bond Connect" and "Swap Connect" are examples of initiatives that enhance connectivity between domestic and international markets [9][14]. Group 5: Conclusion - Shanghai is positioned as a key node in the domestic and international economic cycles, with financial infrastructure development being critical for achieving high standards in market systems and facilitating comprehensive financial reforms [16].