Hong Kong Advances Gold Trading Infrastructure at Global Industry Forum
Wed Oct 07 2026
Hong Kong has outlined further steps to develop its gold trading ecosystem at the Global Precious Metals Conference 2026 in Sorrento, Italy. Speaking on 6 October 2026, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui detailed plans to strengthen gold-market infrastructure, improve settlement processes and expand international market connectivity.
The measures form part of broader efforts to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and support long-term economic development.
According to the official conference announcement, Hong Kong is moving from planning to implementation in building a gold trading ecosystem supported by government-led infrastructure and market participation.
Clearing and settlement system moves towards launch
Hui said the trial operation of the Hong Kong Gold Central Clearing and Settlement System had received positive industry feedback.
Eleven banks are currently serving as provisional direct participants, while additional financial institutions have expressed interest in joining the platform ahead of its formal launch, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The government is also completing the connection between the new system and Hong Kong’s Real Time Gross Settlement system.
This will enable Delivery versus Payment (DvP) settlements, designed to reduce settlement risk and improve operational efficiency for market participants.
> “Our objective is to reduce settlement risk and operational friction, giving participants a reliable foundation on which they could build their businesses.”
> Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Hui added that the government is encouraging private-sector participation in expanding gold storage and refining capacity.
Policy options under consideration include tax concessions, alongside Hong Kong’s existing tax-free arrangements for gold import and export activities.
International standards and regional connectivity
Hui also announced that the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) will co-host its Asia Forum in Hong Kong next April, together with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited.
By that stage, the gold clearing and settlement system is expected to be fully operational.
The government plans to use the event to demonstrate Hong Kong’s alignment with international market standards and its role in connecting global and Mainland Chinese gold markets.
Officials said discussions are under way with the LBMA on potential cooperation relating to delivery standards for gold trading infrastructure.
Meetings with industry and international associations
Alongside the conference programme, Hui held discussions with representatives from international precious-metals organisations and financial institutions.
Topics included:
- Global bullion market trends
- Sustainable standards
- Cross-border market connectivity
He also met representatives from a Swiss precious-metals industry association to discuss alignment with international gold-market standards and potential collaboration opportunities.
Additional meetings were held with banking-sector representatives focused on developments in Hong Kong’s gold-market infrastructure.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited also participated in conference sessions, including discussions on Delivery Connect, a platform launched with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to support cross-market operations.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s financial services position
The Global Precious Metals Conference is one of the major annual gatherings for the international bullion and metals sector, with more than 1,000 delegates participating this year.
Hong Kong’s engagement at the event reflects its broader strategy to strengthen financial infrastructure, attract market participation and deepen links with regional and international markets.
Hui is also scheduled to visit gold refineries in Ticino, Switzerland, to meet senior management and review international refining practices and standards.
Source: https://opengovasia.com/