SFC unveils Strategic Action Plan to support Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and Policy Address in promoting capital market development

Strategic Action Plan for Capital Market Development

On September 23, 2026, The Securities and Futures Commission (the "SFC" or the "Commission") announced a strategic action plan designed to facilitate the implementation of Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. The plan encompasses short-, medium- and long-term measures aimed at promoting high-quality development of Hong Kong's capital markets, consolidating its competitive position as an international financial centre, and aligning with the directions set forth in the National 15th Five-Year Plan to enhance Hong Kong's role in China's financial opening-up.

Board Deliberation and Policy Alignment

At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors (the "Board"), an in-depth discussion was conducted regarding the principal directions articulated in the First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address. The Board further deliberated upon the formulation of concrete strategic measures to give effect to the relevant policy objectives within Hong Kong's capital markets. The resulting plan addresses key areas including market development, internationalisation of the renminbi ("RMB"), mutual market access arrangements, wealth management, risk management frameworks, market quality standards, and financial security.

Regulatory Mandate and Institutional Objectives

The Commission acknowledged that the First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address provided a clear strategic direction for the future development of Hong Kong's financial markets. In its capacity as both market regulator and facilitator of market development, the SFC undertook to actively support the HKSAR Government in advancing high-quality financial development and to work collaboratively with industry participants to translate policy directions into tangible market outcomes, thereby enhancing the depth, breadth, and international competitiveness of Hong Kong's financial markets.

Chairman's Statement: Consolidating RMB Business Hub Positioning

Dr Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the SFC, stated that Hong Kong has consistently served as a unique and trusted bridge between Chinese Mainland and global markets. He affirmed the Commission's mission to consolidate this strategic advantage so as to better serve the Nation's overall development while creating value for international investors and the real economy. Dr Wong characterised the strategic action plan not merely as a proactive response to national and HKSAR Government priorities, but as an important blueprint governing the long-term trajectory of Hong Kong's capital markets. He further noted that by consolidating traditional strengths, fostering new growth drivers, and enhancing market quality and integrity, he was confident in strengthening Hong Kong's competitiveness and attractiveness as an international financial centre. The SFC committed to laying the groundwork for broadening and deepening the RMB ecosystem, continuing to enhance mutual market access mechanisms, promoting market innovation, and improving market efficiency and liquidity.

Chief Executive Officer's Remarks: Regulatory Cooperation and Financial Security

Ms Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, stated that as Hong Kong's capital markets enter a new phase of development, the Commission would strengthen communication and cooperation with industry stakeholders to ensure full comprehension of regulatory requirements and strategic direction. She further noted that the SFC would deepen collaboration with Mainland and overseas regulatory authorities to jointly advance cross-border market connectivity and financial innovation. Ms Leung emphasised that while promoting market development, the Commission remained committed to its core obligations: safeguarding market quality, maintaining integrity, protecting investors, and upholding financial security as a foundational prerequisite for sustainable market development. The SFC would deploy advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance risk monitoring, supervisory oversight, and enforcement capabilities in support of the sound development of Hong Kong's financial markets.

Institutional Outlook

The Commission expressed its view that, with the strong support of the Central Government, the proactive leadership of the HKSAR Government, and active industry participation, Hong Kong would further strengthen its functions as an international financial centre, a global offshore RMB business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre. The SFC noted that such developments would make greater contributions to China's high-level opening-up and to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It was further recorded that the strategic action plan in full form is attached hereto as a schedule to this announcement.