Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing : Early Momentum for Core Climate, Hong Kong’s

• More than 40 trades completed, by over 20 Core Climate participants, in first four weeks since launch, representing around 400,000 tonnes of carbon credits
• More than 30 international projects now available on the platform
• Carbon credits denominated in both HKD and RMB, driving accessibility and ensuring flexibility for participants

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today (Thursday) celebrated the first four weeks of trading on Core Climate, Hong Kong’s new international carbon marketplace at HKEX Connect Hall.

Since Core Climate launched on 28 October 2022, it has generated significant momentum for voluntary carbon trading in the region. The platform recorded more than 40 trades in less than a month between 28 October and 24 November 2022, representing a total volume of around 400,000 tonnes of carbon credits.

HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha said: “At HKEX, we are fully committed to playing a leading role in creating a low-carbon, climate-resilient global economy. With its proximity to Mainland China, the world’s largest carbon market, Hong Kong has both a unique role to play in China’s carbon action plan and as a sustainable finance hub for the region. Core Climate is a ground-breaking new initiative that will help expedite the low-carbon transition journey at scale in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia and beyond.”

HKEX CEO Nicolas Aguzin said: “The world needs transformational change to fight climate change and capital markets have a key role to play in driving the pressing global climate agenda. The launch of Core Climate is a significant milestone in our journey to develop Hong Kong into Asia’s premier carbon trading hub. Since its launch, the platform has been very well received by the market, attracting wide participation from different regions and sectors. Thank you for joining us on this exciting and meaningful journey as we work together to secure a sustainable future for us and for generations to come. ”

Core Climate is currently the only carbon marketplace that offers HKD and RMB settlement for the trading of international voluntary carbon credits, driving accessibility to the market and further enhancing Hong Kong’s role as a world-class offshore RMB hub and premier green and sustainable finance centre.

Quality carbon credits come from more than 30 internationally-certified projects that are now available on the platform, generated from forestry, solar, wind, hydropower and biomass initiatives in Asia, South America and West Africa. All projects available on Core Climate, including carbon avoidance, reduction and removal projects, are verified against the Verified Carbon Standard by Verra.

Today’s ceremony brought together more than 100 participants, including Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha, HKEX Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Aguzin, other senior HKEX executives, delegates of corporate participants…