The Hong Kong government has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering fintech innovation following the issuance of approximately HK$6billion worth of digital green bonds. This move signifies Hong Kong’s proactive approach to integrating financial technology with sustainable finance practices.
This is the second digital bond issuance, following the government’s first tokenised green bond issued in February 2023. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) completed Project Genesis in 2021, collaborating with the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre to concept-test the issuance of tokenised green bonds in Hong Kong.
Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary, said: “The Government has once again issued digital green bonds this year, incorporating various technological innovations. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s strengths and leadership position in combining the bond market, green and sustainable finance, as well as fintech.
“We will continue to promote innovation and application of fintech, explore the use of new technologies to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and security of financial transactions, and foster vibrant development in various sectors of the financial market.”
While, Christopher Hui, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, also commented: “The second issuance of digital green bonds demonstrates the Government’s continuous support to innovative forms of bond issuances and green transformation.
“We are confident that this issuance will further entrench the social awareness of sustainable development in combination with fintech and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a leading green and sustainable finance hub.”
This issuance, building on Project Genesis, introduces advancements in investor participation, streamlining the issuance process, standardisation, and transparency. International investors can now access Digital Green Bonds through Euroclear or Clearstream, enhancing liquidity and potential interoperability.
Issuing bonds in a digitally native format eliminates the need for conversion, while adopting the Bond Data Taxonomy standardises language for market efficiency. Integration of green bond disclosures into the digital assets platform enhances transparency and accessibility.
