HKMA taskforce discusses financing for Northern Metropolis University Town, proposes rule change to ease bank lending

The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce, jointly established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), held its third meeting today (10 November) to discuss the development and financing of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT). The Education Bureau briefed the meeting on the latest progress, including the positioning of the three university towns, their campus areas and related financial arrangements.

Three university towns, loans and public-private partnerships on the table

The NMUT comprises three university towns at San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling. Participants discussed feasible financing solutions, including loans and public-private partnerships. The meeting brought together representatives of the HKMA, HKAB, the Development Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and 25 participating banks.

Proposed rule change would list 11 institutions and three park companies as public sector entities

To strengthen banks' financing support for Northern Metropolis projects, the HKMA proposed amending the Banking (Capital) Rules to designate government-related entities — including 11 post-secondary institutions and three park companies — as Domestic Public Sector Entities. The HKMA intends to submit the amendments to the Legislative Council in the first quarter of 2027, with a view to their taking effect in the second quarter of the year. The taskforce was set up in April 2026 to strengthen communication and collaboration between the banking sector and the Hong Kong government on Northern Metropolis development. Source: Hong Kong Monetary Authority press release, 10 November 2026.