The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the banking sector have introduced sector-specific measures to help more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) obtain bank financing and support their upgrade and transformation, following meetings of the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism and the Taskforce on SME Lending. The update builds on the “9+5” SME support measures launched in 2024, which have benefited more than 39,000 SMEs with an aggregate credit limit of over HK$95 billion; participating banks’ dedicated SME funds have increased from HK$370 billion in October 2024 to more than HK$390 billion. Banks will continue to offer credit reliefs, including flexible repayment arrangements and repayment deferments, referencing the principles under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme. For import and export and manufacturing firms affected by global trade frictions, participating banks will provide flexible extensions to trade facilities (for example, 90 or 120 days) and may offer alternative credit arrangements such as instalment repayment of trade loans, partial principal repayment options, or principal moratorium. For construction, participating banks will use a collaborative mechanism to provide flexible financial arrangements, particularly to subcontractors facing sudden cashflow pressure. For transport, banks will consider financing products better suited to the sector (including in support of measures to enhance taxi services), offer more flexible repayment arrangements, and consider extending loan tenors, including for taxi, public light bus and commercial vehicle loans taken out by personal customers. Beyond SME lending, the banking sector will promote the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance by ensuring frontline staff can handle land lease extension and related mortgage enquiries, and will explore financing support aligned with Northern Metropolis development following engagement with the Development Bureau. The Mechanism and Taskforce will monitor developments in global tariff disputes and maintain dialogue with relevant sectors, and the HKMA and banking sector will continue engagement with commercial sectors through the two platforms.

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