The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched the Cargo x Pilot Programme, bringing together 21 banks to test the use of cargo and trade data through the Commercial Data Interchange data infrastructure. The programme will run a series of pilot transactions to validate how integrated trade data can support trade finance digitalisation and improve financing access for Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly importers and exporters. The pilots form part of the authority’s implementation of the 20 recommendations under the Data, Infrastructure and Connectivity pillars of the Project Cargo x Recommendation Report published in January 2026. Projects planned for 2026 and 2027 will focus on four areas: connecting with key cargo and trade data platforms, combining SME trade flow and cash flow data for banks’ multi-dimensional credit assessment, adopting Digital Corporate Identity for trusted data sharing, and strengthening connectivity with key trade corridors. The participating banks, all with material trade finance businesses, have set up dedicated cross-functional taskforces to support the work alongside government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-05-07
Hong Kong Monetary Authority launches Cargo x pilot programme with 21 banks to test cargo and trade data use cases
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched the Cargo x Pilot Programme with 21 banks to test using cargo and trade data via the Commercial Data Interchange to support trade finance digitalisation and improve financing access for Hong Kong SMEs. The pilots implement recommendations under the Data, Infrastructure and Connectivity pillars of the Project Cargo x Recommendation Report, with 2026–2027 projects focused on linking to key cargo and trade data platforms, combining trade and cash flow data for multi-dimensional credit assessment, adopting Digital Corporate Identity for trusted data sharing, and enhancing connectivity with major trade corridors.