Hong Kong dim sum bonds overtake US dollar bonds for the first time, finance chief says

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday (November 15) that the city's finance and trade sector is moving from accumulating quantity towards enhancing value: in the first three quarters of 2026, offshore renminbi bonds, known as dim sum bonds, accounted for 38 percent of the total issuance of bonds listed in Hong Kong, surpassing US dollar bonds for the first time and making the renminbi the largest issuance currency in the city's listed bond market.

Issuers increasingly diverse; about 75% of offshore renminbi payments go through Hong Kong

Chan said issuers of the bonds had also become increasingly diverse — from mainland technology firms to overseas authorities and financial institutions — as they consider dim sum bonds an important financing channel. He said around 75 percent of offshore renminbi payments are processed through Hong Kong.

Offshore RMB Bond Index to provide a benchmark for global investors

As the market grows, Hong Kong will launch an Offshore RMB Bond Index. "Once the market has grown large enough, it needs a reference benchmark suited to itself," Chan said. The index will provide a Hong Kong benchmark for the growing dim sum bond market, enabling global investors to have a clear reference for allocating renminbi assets.

Maritime Week opens with over 18,000 participants; new partner ports to be announced

Chan also said Hong Kong Maritime Week began on Sunday and was expected to attract more than 18,000 participants from around the world, and that the SAR would announce a new batch of partner ports. He noted that the green transition and artificial intelligence are reshaping the shipping industry, and that Hong Kong's focus is not just container throughput but the entire range of high value-added maritime services, including financing, insurance, ship management, fuel supply and mediation and arbitration. Hong Kong, as a reliable super connector, is creating greater value for the financial and shipping industries, he said.

Sources: Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan's blog; RTHK.