The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and SIX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (October 18) for co-operation in securities depository and settlement to foster the growth of cross-border investment.

     Based on the MOU, the two parties will collaborate in a joint international securities settlement and safekeeping, develop a closer working relationship, and maintain channels for the exchange of information.

     The CEO of CMU OmniClear, Mr Stanley Chan, said, "Today marks an important milestone for the CMU OmniClear in developing into a regional central securities depository (CSD) in Asia. With the CMU OmniClear's unique gateway function between China and global markets, we believe our new partnership with SIX will help Chinese investors to tap into the opportunities in the Swiss and international markets, and allow Swiss investors enhanced access to the Hong Kong and Mainland markets."

     The CEO at SIX, Mr Jos Dijsselhof, said, "We are very pleased with this agreement with such a relevant entity as CMU OmniClear, which we are convinced will be positive for both parties and both areas. Asia is a part of the world where we explore business opportunities with great potential."

     The scope of the co-operation features areas such as mutual support for investment in the Hong Kong, Swiss and international markets. It also includes the mutual exchange of information on operation and market as well as mutual development of business opportunities.

About CMU OmniClear Limited

     CMU OmniClear Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Exchange Fund established to operate the Central Moneymarkets Unit system (CMU) on behalf of the HKMA. Since 1990, the CMU has provided secure and efficient clearing, settlement and custodian services for Hong Kong's multi-currency debt securities and those in international markets. Over the years, the CMU has continuously established linkages with regional and international central securities depositories to expand its issuer and investor reach globally. With the launch of Bond Connect scheme in 2017, the CMU has become a pivotal financial market infrastructure serving both onshore and offshore market participants.

     Please visit www.cmu.org.hk for more information about the CMU.

About SIX

     SIX provides and operates stable and efficient infrastructure for the Swiss and Spanish financial centres, thus ensuring access to the capital markets and the flow of information and money between financial market players. As a global provider of financial information, SIX delivers high-quality reference, pricing, corporate actions, and ESG data and provides regulatory services and indices to clients around the world. The company is owned by its users (more than 120 banks) with a workforce of 4 160 employees and a presence in 19 countries.

     Please visit www.six-group.com for more information about SIX.

Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:10

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