The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission issued operational instructions to relevant local financial regulatory bureaus, policy banks, major and joint-stock banks, and insurance companies to strengthen emergency financial services and recovery support following the 26 November 2025 fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The measures centre on accelerating insurance claims, providing targeted credit relief, and ensuring accessible banking and insurance services for affected residents and firms. Insurance institutions are required to proactively review exposures, deploy loss assessment and claims resources, and process payouts under an “pay what should be paid, pay quickly, and make reasonable advance payments” approach, including simplified documentation and streamlined workflows. Chinese-funded banks operating in Hong Kong are instructed to increase support to affected customers, including case-by-case repayment deferrals, and to meet post-disaster credit needs for firefighting and rescue, production and transport, and livelihood-related services through compliant and efficient approval. Banks and insurers must also open “green channels” for urgent cash withdrawals, bank card replacement, and claims processing, maintain resilient online channels such as mobile and internet banking and remote claims notification, and create expedited donation channels that, within regulatory requirements, simplify review materials and credit donated funds with no delay. Implementation is to be organised through strengthened coordination, including dedicated task forces where needed, and carried out in coordination with relevant central and Hong Kong authorities. Guangdong and Shenzhen financial regulatory bureaus are tasked with guiding local banks and insurers to mobilise nearby resources and support cross-institutional collaboration.

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