Management Summary
- Purpose / Background:This document, LM-1 Regulatory Framework for Supervision of Liquidity Risk V.5, provides guidance to Authorized Institutions (AIs) in Hong Kong on the application of the Banking (Liquidity) Rules (BLR) and the Monetary Authority's (MA) approach to supervising liquidity risk. It aims to enhance the resilience of AIs and the banking system against liquidity stress, aligning with international standards such as Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) principles.
- Key Changes:This version (V.5) is an update to the previous guidelines (V.4 dated 13.12.2024). Specific technical changes are not detailed in this summary, but it signals an update to the regulatory framework for liquidity risk supervision.
- Key Dates:The document is dated 19.12.2025, indicating its effective or issuance date. Specific implementation timelines for any changes would be detailed within the full document or associated circulars.
- Impact on institutions:All Authorized Institutions (AIs) in Hong Kong are subject to these guidelines. They must comply with various statutory liquidity requirements, including the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), Liquidity Maintenance Ratio (LMR), Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), and Core Funding Ratio (CFR), depending on their classification (Category 1 or Category 2/2A). Institutions will need to ensure their systems and controls are robust for liquidity risk management and reporting.
- Recommended management actions (3-7 bullets):
- Review and understand the updated liquidity risk regulatory framework outlined in LM-1 V.5.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable statutory liquidity ratios (LCR, LMR, NSFR, CFR) and their respective minimum requirements.
- Assess and enhance internal systems and controls for liquidity risk management to align with the MA's supervisory approach.
- Verify that all required liquidity returns (e.g., MA(BS)1E, MA(BS)26) are accurately and promptly submitted.
- Establish and maintain internal liquidity ratio targets with a sufficient buffer above regulatory minimums, reviewed annually by the board.
- Stay informed about any further guidance or updates issued by the MA concerning liquidity risk supervision.
Detailed Summary
- Document overviewThis document, Supervisory Policy Manual LM-1 Regulatory Framework for Supervision of Liquidity Risk V.5, issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on 19.12.2025, serves as a statutory guideline under the Banking Ordinance. It provides guidance to Authorized Institutions (AIs) on the application of the Banking (Liquidity) Rules (BLR) and outlines the HKMA's approach to supervising liquidity risk. It supersedes the previous version (V.4 dated 13.12.2024) and applies to all AIs. The module covers the regulatory framework, supervisory approach, statutory liquidity requirements (LCR, LMR, NSFR, CFR), designation of institution categories, application of specific ratios, liquidity disclosure standards, and includes three annexes detailing treatments for encumbered assets, RMBS, and cryptoasset exposures.
- Main requirements (grouped by topic)
- Liquidity Risk Management Objectives: A key supervisory objective is to promote AI resilience against liquidity risk to mitigate systemic impact. AIs must maintain adequate liquidity in compliance with statutory ratios and implement sound management systems and controls.
- Supervisory Approach: The HKMA employs a risk-based approach, utilizing off-site reviews (through returns like MA(BS)1E, MA(BS)26, MA(BS)22, MA(BS)23, MA(BS)18) and on-site examinations. Additional information may be requested, and findings influence CAMEL ratings and capital requirements. Communication with stakeholders is also crucial.
- Statutory Liquidity Requirements:
- Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR): For Category 1 institutions, it's the ratio of High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) to total net cash outflows over 30 days. Minimum levels have progressively increased from 60% in 2015 to 100% from 2019 onwards.
- Liquidity Maintenance Ratio (LMR): For Category 2 institutions, it's the ratio of liquefiable assets to qualifying liabilities (after deductions) over a calendar month, with a minimum requirement of 25% on average each month.
- Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR): For Category 1 institutions, it's the ratio of available stable funding (ASF) to required stable funding (RSF), with a minimum requirement of 100% at all times, subject to self-rectification provisions.
- Core Funding Ratio (CFR): For Category 2A institutions, it's the ratio of available core funding (ACF) to required core funding (RCF). Minimums are 50% on average monthly from 2018 and 75% from 1 January 2019.
- Implementation Basis: Statutory liquidity ratios must be calculated on a Hong Kong office basis. Hong Kong incorporated AIs with overseas branches must also calculate on an unconsolidated basis (covering all business) unless an exclusion is approved. Locally incorporated AIs with associated entities may be required to calculate on a consolidated basis, particularly if internationally active. Specially tailored bases may also be required in exceptional circumstances.
- Notification of Liquidity Events: AIs have obligations to notify the HKMA of anticipated changes that could lead to a breach of liquidity ratios or of specific "relevant liquidity events" as defined in rule 14(3). These events include failures to meet minimum ratio requirements or actions taken under stress.
- Internal Targets and Limits: AIs are expected to set internal liquidity ratio targets with a buffer above regulatory minimums. These targets must be reviewed and approved by the board at least annually.
- Liquidity Disclosure Standard: AIs must disclose information relating to liquidity risk management and liquidity ratios quarterly (or semi-annually for NSFR) as prescribed by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules (BDR) and specified templates (LIQA, LIQ1, LIQ2). Voluntary disclosures are encouraged.
- Key changes (vs previous requirements)This version (V.5) updates the previous guidelines (V.4 dated 13.12.2024). Specific details of the changes are not provided in the excerpt, but it signifies an evolution of the regulatory framework for liquidity risk supervision.
- Important dates & transitionThe document is dated 19.12.2025. The LCR was introduced from 1 January 2015, NSFR from 1 January 2018. The CFR had minimum requirements of 50% from 2018 and 75% from 1 January 2019. The progressive increase of the minimum LCR to 100% was completed by 2019.
- Applicability & impact scopeThe guidelines apply to all Authorized Institutions (AIs) in Hong Kong. The specific liquidity ratios applicable depend on the AI's designation as Category 1, Category 2, or Category 2A. Calculations may be required on Hong Kong office, unconsolidated, and consolidated bases.
- Compliance action checklist (practical steps)
- Review Policy: Thoroughly read and understand LM-1 V.5 and related regulations (BLR, Code, CIs for returns).
- Ratio Compliance: Ensure ongoing compliance with LCR, LMR, NSFR, and CFR minimum requirements for the applicable category.
- Data Reporting: Verify accuracy and timeliness of all required liquidity returns (MA(BS)1E, MA(BS)26, MA(BS)22, MA(BS)23, MA(BS)18).
- Risk Management: Strengthen internal systems and controls for liquidity risk management.
- Internal Targets: Establish and maintain board-approved internal liquidity targets with appropriate buffers.
- Notification Procedures: Implement robust procedures for timely notification of anticipated breaches and relevant liquidity events.
- Disclosure: Ensure compliance with liquidity disclosure requirements under the Banking (Disclosure) Rules.
- Attachments/appendices note (if any, 1-3 lines only)The document includes three annexes: Annex 1 provides guidance on assets "free from encumbrances" for LCR, LMR, and NSFR. Annex 2 details the treatment of RMBS under LCR, LMR, and NSFR. Annex 3 offers guidance on the treatment of cryptoasset exposures under LCR, LMR, NSFR, and CFR.