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Hong Kong is actively engaged in the trial of China's digital yuan, known as the e-CNY, in collaboration with the People's Bank of China. According to Christopher Hui, Secretary for Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury, the region has already entered the second phase of technical testing for this central bank digital currency.
The initial phase of testing focused on cross-border payments using the digital yuan in Hong Kong, a pivotal global financial hub. This milestone marked the successful collaboration between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the People’s Bank of China.
In the ongoing second phase, the trial has expanded to involve more Hong Kong banks. It also encompasses testing the functionality of the digital yuan wallet, particularly focusing on its top-up feature. This involves utilizing Hong Kong's Faster Payment System (FPS), an infrastructure introduced by HKMA in 2018.
The FPS enables seamless cross-bank payments in Hong Kong dollars or Chinese yuan by simply using the recipient's mobile phone number or email address. Data from Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited indicates significant growth in HKD payments processed through FPS.
This development holds promise for both regions, as the e-CNY aims to provide a secure, convenient, and innovative option for cross-border retail consumption. It has the potential to enhance the efficiency of cross-border payment services and improve the overall user experience. Furthermore, this initiative aims to foster greater connectivity within the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Eric Jing, Chairman and CEO of Ant Group, emphasized the digital yuan's transformative potential within the industrial internet sector. He drew parallels between its impact and that of mobile payments on the consumer internet. Jing particularly highlighted the programmability of the digital yuan, which enables cross-chain communication and automated transactions, potentially unlocking substantial synergies within various industries.
As Hong Kong continues to make strides in the testing of the digital yuan, it signifies an exciting step toward advancing cross-border payment services and promoting financial innovation within the region. The digital yuan's programmable features hold the key to unlocking a new era of efficiency and connectivity for businesses and consumers alike.
