Overview
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is Hong Kong’s central banking institution, established on 1 April 1993 through the merger of the Office of the Exchange Fund and the Office of the Commissioner of Banking. It functions as Hong Kong’s de facto central bank and is responsible for monetary and financial stability. HKMA’s core purpose is to maintain currency stability under the Linked Exchange Rate System, support a robust financial system and manage the Exchange Fund.
Mission and focus areas
HKMA’s mission is to promote the stability and integrity of the financial system, foster the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre and strengthen resilience to financial shocks. Its main goals include safeguarding banking system soundness, overseeing regulatory frameworks, and developing financial market infrastructure. HKMA has integrated sustainability into its strategic efforts, taking concrete steps to enhance financial sector resilience to climate-related risks and supporting growth of the green and sustainable finance ecosystem. It contributes to international policy dialogues and has launched a Sustainable Finance Action Agenda to support regional sustainable development and climate transition goals.
Structure and governance
HKMA operates as a statutory body within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government framework, with significant autonomy in executing its mandate. Its governance structure includes the Monetary Authority, who oversees strategic direction, and various internal departments responsible for reserves management, banking supervision and risk oversight. The organisation also collaborates with advisory committees and external partners, ensuring accountability and transparency in its operations.
Programs and offerings
HKMA provides a wide range of outputs and resources, including annual and sustainability reports, regulatory guidance, research publications and statistical data. It supervises financial institutions, administers the Exchange Fund, promotes financial market infrastructure and issues guidelines on banking regulation. HKMA also facilitates initiatives such as fintech development, green and sustainable banking conferences, and public education on financial matters. Its authoritative publications serve finance professionals with insights into monetary trends, regulatory developments and sustainability integration.
