HKMA and banking sector to support SMEs with bank financing and transformation through sector-specific measures

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The banking sector has reaffirmed that it will actively implement the "9+5" SME support measures, including flexible repayment arrangements and deferment of repayment period.

In the light of the current trade tension and uncertainties surrounding the external economic environment, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the banking sector, has introduced sector-specific support measures to further assist more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining bank financing, as well as in their upgrade and transformation.

The measures were introduced following meetings held by the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism (Mechanism) and the Taskforce on SME Lending (Taskforce) on 8 April 2025.

After taking into account and discussing the views of the commercial sectors during these meetings, the banking sector has reaffirmed its commitment to actively implement the "9+5" SME support measures previously launched.

The banking sector will continue to be accommodative in offering credit reliefs, including flexible repayment arrangements and deferment of repayment period, referencing the principles under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme, to assist corporates in coping with their liquidity needs.

Furthermore, banks will introduce more targeted support for various industries under the overarching principle of prudent risk management:

Import and export and manufacturing sectors

The participating banks have agreed to provide flexible extensions to trade facilities, e.g. 90 or 120 days, or offer alternative suitable credit arrangements, such as repaying the trade loans by instalments, providing partial principal repayment options, or even offering principal moratorium, to assist individual customers experiencing short-term cashflow pressure due to trade frictions.

Construction sector

The participating banks will assist corporates facing cashflow pressure, particularly subcontractors in the construction sector that may be experiencing sudden cashflow pressure due to capital chain rupture, through a collaborative mechanism.

The banks will collaboratively offer flexible financial arrangements as far as practicable to alleviate customers' cashflow pressure.

Transport sector

The participating banks will actively consider introducing financing products that are better suited to the transport sector, with a view to supporting the Government's implementation of measures to enhance taxi services.

The banks will offer more flexible repayment arrangements to assist customers in coping with operational challenges, taking into account individual circumstances. The banks will also consider correspondingly extending the loan tenor to support the development of the sector.

Additionally, the HKMA and the banking sector will support the economic development of Hong Kong in other areas, and maintain close communication with the commercial sectors through the Mechanism and the Taskforce and work in concert to support the business development and transformation of SMEs.

The HKMA and the banking sector introduced nine measures to support SMEs' access to financing and continuous development, and another five measures to support SMEs' upgrade and transformation in March and October 2024 respectively. Since then, more than 39,000 SMEs have benefitted from these measures.

Photo / HKSAR Government Press Releases