In remarks at the Global Precious Metals Conference 2026, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui outlined Hong Kong’s implementation of a gold trading ecosystem centered on a new central clearing and settlement system. The system is scheduled for formal launch in the first quarter of 2027 following trial operations, with 11 banks serving as provisional direct participants and other banks expressing interest. Its connection to Hong Kong’s Real Time Gross Settlement system is in the final stages, enabling Delivery versus Payment settlement to reduce settlement risk and operational friction. The government is also seeking private investment to expand gold storage and refining capacity, including through potential tax concessions alongside the existing tax-free treatment of gold imports and exports. It is exploring cooperation with the London Bullion Market Association on delivery standards, while the association will cohost an Asia Forum with the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited in April 2027.
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau outlines first-quarter 2027 launch of gold clearing and settlement system
Hong Kong plans to formally launch its gold central clearing and settlement system in the first quarter of 2027, with 11 banks already serving as provisional direct participants. Integration with the Real Time Gross Settlement system is nearing completion to support Delivery versus Payment settlement, while the government is exploring tax concessions, additional storage and refining capacity, and cooperation on international delivery standards.