'Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund' by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") was released on 13 March 2026, detailing Exchange Fund data for February 2026. Foreign assets rose to HK$3,630.1 billion, the Monetary Base reached HK$2,071.5 billion, and key metrics like claims on the private sector (HK$371.3 billion) and foreign liabilities (HK$72.5 billion) were reported. The HKMA also outlined its monthly press release schedule for March 2026, aligning with the IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard ("SDDS").
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
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Hong Kong Monetary Authority Publishes Updated Exchange Fund Analytical Accounts
On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released its latest Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund as of February 2026 end, adhering to the IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) framework. These reports, structured in accordance with SDDS-compliant Central Bank Analytical Accounts, provide an authoritative snapshot of the Exchange Fund’s financial positioning. The disclosure highlights key financial metrics, including a HK$32.8 billion increase in foreign assets, totaling HK$3,630.1 billion. This figure reflects the Exchange Fund’s external asset holdings under the current reporting period. Additionally, the Monetary Base—comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, currency in circulation (including notes and coins), banking system balances, and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued—stood at HK$2,071.5 billion. Claims against the private sector amounted to HK$371.3 billion, while foreign liabilities were recorded at HK$72.5 billion.
Structural Compliance and Reporting Framework Under SDDS
The HKMA maintains quarterly transparency obligations under the SDDS, issuing four distinct monthly reports concerning the Exchange Fund’s financial status. Three of these reports align with the IMF’s SDDS guidelines, while the quarterly summary report, scheduled for March 31, 2026, details the Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account. The reporting timeline for March 2026 includes the following key deadlines: - March 6: Release of SDDS International Reserves, presenting the most current data on Hong Kong’s foreign currency reserve assets. - March 13: Dissemination of SDDS Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank, capturing analytical breakdowns of the Exchange Fund’s holdings. - March 31 (twice-yearly): Publication of the International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity Template and the Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account—critical components for assessing the Exchange Fund’s overall fiscal and liquidity position.
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