Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) emphasizes the importance of digital currency and data infrastructure as core pillars for the future financial system of Hong Kong [1] Group 1: Financial Infrastructure - The HKMA's "Fintech 2025" initiative aims to promote the adoption of financial technology and cultivate talent and enterprises in the fintech sector [1] - A robust financial infrastructure is likened to a highway that facilitates the safe and efficient flow of funds and financial assets within the economy [1] - The exploration of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and the development of next-generation data infrastructure are highlighted as key components of the financial system [1][2] Group 2: Digital Currency Development - Hong Kong has been researching CBDC since 2017, with the "Digital Hong Kong Dollar" being a focus for international trade payments [2] - The mBridge project connects the "Digital Hong Kong Dollar" with CBDCs from mainland China, Thailand, and the UAE, significantly reducing cross-border transaction processing time from days to seconds [2] - The project is expected to enter the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage in 2024, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border payments for businesses [2] Group 3: Tokenization Initiatives - The HKMA is exploring how tokenization can improve the financial system, with the Ensemble project launched to develop a tokenization ecosystem [3] - The project has gained international attention, collaborating with central banks from Brazil, France, and Thailand on cross-border tokenization use cases [3] - The use of tokenized deposits for digital asset trading settlements is being researched, with the "Digital Hong Kong Dollar" serving as the currency backbone [3] Group 4: Data Infrastructure Development - The establishment of the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) aims to facilitate data flow between banks and data providers, enhancing connectivity [4] - Since its launch in 2022, CDI has formed partnerships with 26 banks and 17 data providers, facilitating over 71,000 loan applications with a total credit approval amount exceeding HKD 58.1 billion [4] - The CDI also supports small and medium-sized enterprises in overcoming challenges when applying for bank loans [4] Group 5: API and Interconnectivity - The opening of the API framework and the implementation of the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) service allow customers to securely share data across different banks and platforms [5] - Over 1,200 APIs have been launched, with a monthly usage exceeding 96 million times, while IADS has attracted over 70,000 users [5] - The CDI has automated over 1.5 million record verifications monthly, enhancing the efficiency of financial services [5] Group 6: Recognition and Future Plans - The achievements of the "Fintech 2025" initiative have led to Hong Kong being ranked first in the fintech category among major international financial centers [6] - The HKMA plans to announce the next phase of its fintech development blueprint to ensure Hong Kong remains at the forefront of financial technology [6]

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are jointly promoting and supporting the interconnection cooperation between the China Payment Clearing Corporation and Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited for rapid payment systems between the mainland and Hong Kong [1] Group 1: Cross-Border Payment System - The cross-border payment system refers to the connection between the mainland online payment interbank clearing system and Hong Kong's rapid payment system "Faster Payment System" [1] - This system aims to provide real-time cross-border payment services for residents of both regions while complying with relevant laws and regulations of both areas [1]