Guangzhou's Nansha District has unveiled a comprehensive implementation plan to expand financial opening and foster cross-border Renminbi (RMB) business, aiming to strengthen its role as a pivotal international financial hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Issued jointly by the Guangzhou Municipal Government, the Guangdong Branch of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), and relevant regulatory authorities on August 12, the plan operationalizes the policy guidance set forth in “Opinions on Financial Support for Deepening Guangzhou Nansha's International Cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao” (Yinfa [2025] No. 72).

A key focus of the plan is facilitating cross-border credit and payment services. Banks operating in Nansha, Hong Kong, and Macao are encouraged to collaborate closely with market-based credit agencies to share corporate credit data, enabling smoother cross-border lending. Pilot initiatives will allow internal cross-border data flow among commercial banks with branches in the three regions, covering corporate loans, individual banking relationships, and cross-border payments, while ensuring legal compliance and security.

For local enterprises, the plan promotes broader use of Free Trade Account (FTA) systems, streamlining account opening procedures and simplifying cross-border fund verification processes. Financial institutions in Nansha can now provide integrated services—including international settlement, global credit, and cross-border fund management—to foreign entities, enhancing capital efficiency and investment accessibility.

Nansha aims to accelerate the construction of a GBA cross-border asset management center, targeting multinational corporations to establish global or regional fund management hubs. Cross-border equity investment is being facilitated through optimized Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) and Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) schemes, with digital platforms providing simplified application procedures and policy guidance.

The district is also actively supporting innovative financial services, including:

Green Finance: Encouraging disclosure of ESG information and integrating sustainable finance considerations into lending, investment, and risk assessment processes. Collaborative mechanisms with Hong Kong and Macao facilitate the issuance of green and sustainable bonds through special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

Digital Finance: Supporting AI-driven financial applications, digital asset trading, and blockchain technology integration. Digital RMB trials are expanding across consumption, travel, healthcare, education, shipping, and commodity trade, including cross-border settlements with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.

Shipping and Maritime Finance: Promoting RMB settlement for international shipping fees and developing innovative maritime insurance products tailored to Nansha's strategic port advantages.

The plan provides for higher-level facilitation of professional qualification recognition for Hong Kong and Macao financial and legal practitioners, including exemptions from certain domestic professional exams and streamlined registration procedures. It also encourages the establishment of training centers, postdoctoral workstations, and collaborative programs with universities to cultivate expertise in green finance, fintech, cross-border finance, and derivatives.