We’ve completed the first USD/HKD cross-currency swap referencing HONIA and SOFR

Hong Kong – Standard Chartered Bank today successfully completed the first USD/HKD cross-currency basis swap referencing the Hong Kong Dollar Overnight Index Average (HONIA) and the USD secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). It has also completed the first USD/HKD cross currency basis swap referencing the three-month HIBOR and SOFR. The successful conclusion of these transactions provides a good foundation for the USD LIBOR transition to SOFR at the end of 2021 and provides market participants with additional hedging instruments as LIBOR-based instruments fade out.

John Tan, Global Head, Financial Markets Regions, Standard Chartered, said: “Standard Chartered is pleased to take a leading role in the development of the interest rates derivatives market in Hong Kong in connection with the new interest rate benchmarks, HONIA in HKD and SOFR in USD. The rapid expansion in the capital markets in Hong Kong in recent years has led to growing hedging demand on interest rate risks. We are committed to providing innovative financial products for our clients to meet their evolving needs as the industry undergoes the transformation into new benchmarks.”

Standard Chartered Bank is one of the major participants in the Hong Kong dollar derivatives trading market with a leading market share among international banks. It is also the primary dealer for Hong Kong Government Bonds and Exchange Fund Bills, and one of the contributing banks to HIBOR. For more information about how we are helping clients to prepare for benchmark interest rate reform, please visit: https://www.sc.com/en/banking/libor/

For further information please contact:

Lilian Goh
Corporate Affairs, Hong Kong
+852 2820 3481