Hong Kong rolls out green commodities registry for gold trading

A dedicated gold clearing and settlement system will launch in Q1 2027.

Hong Kong is launching a data registry for green production to facilitate the expansion of the physical gold market in the city.

The Green Commodities Registration Scheme, developed by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), aims to support a high-integrity gold market that is comparable to global ESG standards and green finance demands.

The scheme's launch comes as Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan proposes developing a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point.

Christopher Hui, secretary for financial services and the treasury, said the scheme will serve as a crucial building block within the city’s trading ecosystem.

“On gold, we are taking forward the development of a clearing system, storage, supply and infrastructure related to gold trading to fully leverage the role of gold as a strategic asset,” Hui said.

“Physical infrastructure, however, is only part of the equation. A credible green commodity market also needs trusted information about how commodities are produced,” he added.

Other measures include a dedicated gold central clearing and settlement system to be launched in the first quarter of 2027, whilst the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is exploring an increase in the Exchange Fund's gold holdings.

Hui spoke at the HKQAA Green and Sustainable Finance Forum 2026 on 27 October.