HKEX Acquires Strategic Stake in CMU OmniClear Holdings

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced that Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) will become a strategic shareholder of CMU OmniClear Holdings Limited. This move aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s capital markets infrastructure and further the development of its fixed income and currencies (FIC) ecosystem, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Market Infrastructure

In October 2025, the Exchange Fund, managed by the HKMA, established CMU OmniClear Holdings with the goal of fully owning CMU OmniClear Limited. This entity was created to handle operations and business development for Hong Kong’s central securities depository infrastructure, specifically the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) system. HKEX’s inclusion as a strategic shareholder involves acquiring a 20% stake through new shares, leaving the Exchange Fund with the remaining 80% ownership.

Joint Efforts for Future Growth

The partnership between HKMA and HKEX is expected to leverage combined resources, technology, and expertise to develop Hong Kong’s post-trade securities infrastructure into a leading central securities depository (CSD) in the region. The collaboration aims to expand investor CSD services, asset class coverage, and collateral management services to improve cross-asset class efficiency.

Mr. Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting that it lays a strong foundation for transforming CMU into a multi-asset class platform. This transformation is intended to provide investors with seamless access to both equity and debt securities, facilitating efficient investment flows between the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and international markets.

HKEX’s Commitment to Growth

Ms. Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of HKEX, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its alignment with HKEX’s strategic objectives to enhance FIC capabilities. This investment underscores HKEX’s dedication to developing a diversified and robust multi-asset class product network, thereby supporting the long-term resilience of Hong Kong’s markets. As global investors seek opportunities in the region, HKEX aims to collaborate with regulators and market participants to elevate Hong Kong’s status as a global bond fundraising and risk management center.

Despite these developments, the HKMA will remain the owner and operator of the CMU, maintaining legal relationships with CMU participants and system linkages under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance.

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