Hong Kong SAR - HKMA publishes findings on the Survey on Reform of Interest Rate Benchmarks
The HKMA has published its conclusions on the latest results of the Survey on Reform of Interest Rate Benchmarks and key milestones that authorized institutions (AIs) should endeavour to achieve in the transition to alternative reference rates (ARRs).
Latest survey results
The latest results of the survey highlighted the growth (and associated risks) in the amount of LIBOR-linked exposures maturing beyond 2021 which have no adequate fall-back provisions in the six months ending 31 March 2020. That being said, the HKMA notes that AIs had made further progress in their preparation for the transition, with a significant proportion of AIs which had developed a bank-wide transition plan increased by 23% to 61% (as of March 2020). More details of the survey results and statistics on bank transition plans can be found in Annex 1.
Transition milestones
Notwithstanding the outbreak of COVID-19, financial authorities around the world such as the Financial Stability Board, The Working Group on Sterling Risk-Free Reference Rates in the UK and the Alternative Reference Rates Committee in the US have issued statements to the effect that they remain committed to the original respective transition timelines. More details on recent major developments relating to the benchmark reform are contained in Annex 2.
In relation to Hong Kong SAR, the HKMA along with the Treasure Markets Association (TMA) has noted the following transition milestones which AIs are expected to achieve:
- AIs should be in a position to offer products referencing the ARRs to LIBOR from 1 January 2021;
- Adequate fall-back provisions should be included in all newly issued LIBOR-linked contracts that will mature after 2021 from 1 January 2021; and
- AIs should cease to issue new LIBOR-linked products that will mature after 2021 by 30 June 2021.
The HKMA notes that AIs are expected to achieve the above transition milestones and those AIs which foresee difficulties in meeting this timeline should discuss with the HKMA as soon as possible.
To assist AIs to prepare for the transition, the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA) has agreed to develop a transition guide. The HKMA is also working with the TMA to develop another self-explanatory note about the benchmark reform to be distributed to corporate customers to assist them in making early preparations for the reform. The HKMA and TMA are also in discussions to evaluate the need for suitable fall-back provisions for HIBOR contracts, noting that there is no intention to discontinue the local benchmark.
