HKEX to Launch Digital Payment Solution for Derivatives After-Hours Trading
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) will launch a new digital payment solution for advance margin deposits during the derivatives market's After-Hours Trading (AHT) session. The solution will let eligible clearing participants make advance margin deposit payments outside regular banking hours. It will offer better flexibility in managing their funds.
New Payment Solution
From 14 December, eligible HKFE Clearing Corporation Limited (HKCC) Clearing Participants (CPs) can submit advance margin deposit requests between 5:00 pm and 1:30 am for funds related to the corresponding AHT session. The extended payment window will supplement current payment arrangements. Also, it will give clearing participants better flexibility in managing their Capital Based Position Limit utilisation outside regular banking hours.
HKEX and HKMA Collaboration
The new solution builds on an announcement by HKEX and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in June 2026. At the time, both organisations announced plans to explore e-HKD use. It’s a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) that operates 24/7, for advance margin deposit payments during the AHT session. Ahead of the launch, HKEX conducted Real-Value Trial Transactions with the HKMA, settlement banks and clearing participants. These trials helped validate the solution's technical and operational readiness.
Planned Extension
The new payment option will complement HKEX's planned extension of AHT trading hours from March 2027. HKEX strives to improve market accessibility, connectivity and operational resilience by extending payment availability beyond regular banking hours.
About HKEX
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is one of the largest exchange groups in the world. It provides a platform for trading various financial instruments, including equities, derivatives, and commodities. HKEX plays a crucial role in linking Chinese markets with international investors.
Wrapping Up
HKEX will introduce the new digital payment solution on 14 December 2026. The extended payment window will give eligible clearing participants greater flexibility when making advance margin deposits during derivatives after-hours trading.
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