The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) announced it has obtained access to the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM), becoming one of a limited group of central banks permitted to operate in the market. The move positions the NBG to invest directly in China’s onshore bond market via CIBM. Access was agreed under a memorandum with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) signed during an official NBG visit to China, followed by negotiations and contractual arrangements. An agreement related to investment in CIBM was signed on December 23, 2025, under which the PBoC will provide core services needed for market operations, including trading, settlement, and bond custodial services. In February 2026, accounts were opened for the NBG with the PBoC and within CIBM’s depository infrastructure; the NBG framed the access as supporting international reserves diversification and more efficient risk management. The NBG indicated that further steps to enter the market will be phased and contingent on assessments of the operational environment, settlement mechanisms, legal framework, and risks.
National Bank of Georgia 2026-02-12
National Bank of Georgia secures first-time access to the China Interbank Bond Market
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has gained access to the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM), allowing it to invest directly in China's onshore bond market. This access, formalized through an agreement with the People's Bank of China, includes trading, settlement, and custodial services. The NBG aims to use this opportunity to diversify international reserves and enhance risk management.