HKD can be a reserve currency candidate – ANZ

Since 1983, there have been many calls for Hong Kong to change its HKD peg. Economists at ANZ Bank analyze HKD amid de-dollarisation.

HKD is like a ‘stablecoin’

“The decline in the HKD aggregate balance is unlikely to cause market panic. Once the HIBOR-LIBOR gap narrows, HKD outflow pressures will be alleviated. The HKD peg to the USD is defended via changes in the cost of carry.”

“Pegging HKD to the RMB does not add value to China’s development as there is already a CNH market. Instead, HKD is a reserve currency candidate backed by solid financial infrastructure and freely convertible exchange rate regime.”

“The HKD peg is akin to a ‘stable coin’ as its value is tied to a reference asset. Blockchain technology and the tokenisation of government bonds will increase the security qualities and make it more attractive to investors who seek diversification from the conventional dollarised regime in the digital era.”