東亞發言人表示，該行一直支持中小企業，並會始終將流動性覆蓋率維持在監管要求之上。匯控未有公開香港業務的流動性數據，發言人表示，從歷史上來看其流動性指標遠高於監管最低要求。而渣打則表示，將致力於滿足客戶的融資需求，而其流動性覆蓋率反映該行謹慎的流動性管理方式，強調香港仍然是該行最大的融資市場，第三季在香港的客戶貸款及放款出現輕微的按年增長。According to a report from Bloomberg, the economic downturn in Hong Kong has led Banks to hoard large amounts of cash and liquidity, with institutions such as HSBC (00005.HK) and STANCHART (02888.HK) having liquidity coverage ratios exceeding 180% in the second quarter of last year, setting a historical high far above the regulatory requirement of 100%. According to the latest data from the Monetary Authority, the ratio slightly decreased to 178.4% in September.
The report states that the hoarding of cash by Banks has raised concerns among regulatory agencies, leading to the establishment of a joint "SME Financing Task Force" by the Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Association of Banks in August last year, to closely monitor the Business strategies Banks employ in supporting SMEs. A spokesperson from the Monetary Authority stated that 16 Banks have set aside a total of over 370 billion yuan in dedicated funds for SMEs in their loan portfolios, emphasizing that the Monetary Authority has always encouraged Banks to support the real economy, including SMEs, under the principle of prudent risk management.
According to data, in September, Hang Seng (00011.HK) had the highest liquidity coverage ratio, reaching 307.9%; followed closely by Bank of East Asia (00023.HK) and BOC HONG KONG (02388.HK), with ratios of 247% and 231.8% respectively; while STANCHART Hong Kong and HSBC's Asia business had ratios of 200% and 163%.
A spokesperson for Bank of East Asia stated that the institution has always supported SMEs and will continue to maintain its liquidity coverage ratio above regulatory requirements. HSBC has not disclosed liquidity data for its Hong Kong operations, but a spokesperson indicated that historically its liquidity Indicators have been well above the minimum regulatory requirements. STANCHART also stated that it is committed to meeting the financing needs of its clients, noting that its liquidity coverage ratio reflects the institution's prudent liquidity management approach, emphasizing that Hong Kong remains the largest financing market for the institution, with a slight year-on-year increase in customer loans and advances in the third quarter.
