The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce (Taskforce), jointly established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), convened its third meeting today (November 10). Meeting participants included representatives from the HKMA, the HKAB, the Development Bureau, the Education Bureau (EDB), The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and 25 participating banks in the Taskforce (see Annex).  
      
     At the meeting, the EDB presented the latest development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), including the positioning of the three university towns (Note), development of campus areas and related financial arrangements. Meeting participants discussed and offered professional advice on feasible financing solutions for the NMUT Area, such as loans and public-private partnerships. The participating banks in the Taskforce expressed their commitment to provide suitable financial services to support the synergistic development of the NMUT and its surrounding industry parks and projects.
      
     To further strengthen the banking sector's financing support for Northern Metropolis (NM) projects, the HKMA proposes to amend the Banking (Capital) Rules to designate government-related entities, including 11 post-secondary institutions and three park companies, as Domestic Public Sector Entities. This measure will help lower banks' capital costs, assist these entities in obtaining bank financing, and thereby accelerate the implementation of NM projects. 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 same year.
 
Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce

     The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce was jointly established by the HKMA and the HKAB in April 2026 to strengthen the banking sector's communication and collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and other stakeholders and explore ways to actively support the Northern Metropolis development through financing. The Taskforce comprises representatives from the HKMA, the HKAB and 25 banks that possess experience in large-scale project financing. The Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong and the Infrastructure Financing and Securitisation Unit of the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited participate as observers.
 
Note: San Tin University Town, Hung Shui Kiu University Town and Ta Kwu Ling University Town.

Ends/Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:30

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