HKMA unveils 20-point road map to modernise Hong Kong’s trade finance ecosystem

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Enoch YiuJanuary 19, 2026 at 01:30 AM

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced a five-year initiative with 20 measures to modernize Hong Kong's trade finance ecosystem. This initiative, called Project CargoX, aims to use blockchain and data to improve access to bank loans for exporters, particularly SMEs, and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international trading hub. A key component is leveraging the Credit Data Interchange (CDI), an electronic platform launched in 2022 that allows banks to assess SME creditworthiness using data from various providers. As of December 2025, the CDI had facilitated over 82,000 loan applications worth HK$66.4 billion. The HKMA hopes these efforts will enhance connectivity with mainland China and ASEAN trade corridors, boosting Hong Kong's trade industry, which contributes 15% of its GDP.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Project CargoX ×260% Asean 60% Credit Data Interchange ×360% Howard Lee Tat-chi ×270% Mainland China 70% Hong Kong ×480% Hong Kong Monetary Authority ×490%

Keywords

trade finance 100% hong kong monetary authority 90% digital trade 80% smes 70% credit data interchange 60% blockchain 60% trade corridors 50% fintech 2030 40%