Recently, the UK think tank/group released the latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index report, which shows that Hong Kong has reclaimed its position as the top financial center in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, under the influence of certain major powers, voices dismissing Hong Kong's economy have been on the rise, with even bizarre claims like "international financial center ruins" emerging. This news has firmly refuted those naysayers.

On the specified date this year, Hong Kong held a Lunar New Year fireworks display. The unique secret to maintaining Hong Kong's status as a financial center. Mature banking and insurance industries. The internationalization of Hong Kong's banking and insurance sectors continues to improve. As of the end of the year, out of the world's top 100 banks, 78 operate in Hong Kong. The total assets of Hong Kong's banking system amount to HK$240 trillion, approximately 10 times Hong Kong's GDP, demonstrating the strong support of the banking system for the economy. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's banking capital adequacy ratio is as high as 20%, and the average liquidity coverage ratio reaches 150%, both indicators reflecting the high safety and robustness of Hong Kong's banking system. According to the 2022 authoritative report on the global insurance industry, Hong Kong ranks first in the world in insurance penetration and second globally, first in Asia, in insurance density, with a total gross premium of HK$700 billion.

The rapidly developing asset management industry. As of today, Hong Kong has evolved into the largest international asset management center in Asia, a major cross-border private wealth management center, a leading hedge fund center, and the second largest private equity fund center. According to data disclosed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, by the end of the year, the scale of asset and wealth management business in Hong Kong reached . trillion Hong Kong dollars. Among this, the scale of asset management and fund advisory business reached . trillion Hong Kong dollars, and the scale of assets held by trusts reached . trillion Hong Kong dollars. According to Deloitte, as of January of the year, Hong Kong had 1,500 family offices, which is twice the number in Singapore, once again highlighting Hong Kong's strong appeal and competitiveness as a wealth management center in Asia and even globally.

Sound regulatory framework and robust financial system. After years of development, Hong Kong has established the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary for a mature international financial center. The Basic Law guarantees the free flow of capital and the free convertibility of the Hong Kong dollar, and the linked exchange rate system, having weathered many storms, has earned market confidence. On this foundation, Hong Kong's financial system has developed strong buffering capabilities, capable of managing various financial risks and withstanding external shocks. In the Global Competitiveness Index rankings released by the World Economic Forum, Hong Kong ranks first globally in the "Financial System" sub-index. In its annual assessment report, the International Monetary Fund once again explicitly affirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center.

Hong Kong's Unique Advantages for Continuous Prosperity and Development. Hong Kong's increasingly solid status as a financial center stems from its own exceptional endowments and the strong support of the nation. Backed by the motherland and connecting the internal and external markets, Hong Kong is the primary destination for overseas financing by mainland enterprises. As of the end of the month, over mainland enterprises have listed in Hong Kong, accounting for more than half of the total listed companies in Hong Kong; the cumulative financing amount reached . trillion Hong Kong dollars, with a total market capitalization of . trillion Hong Kong dollars, accounting for % of the total market capitalization of the Hong Kong stock market. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Through a series of interconnected mechanisms such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and mutual recognition arrangements for funds between the mainland and Hong Kong, Hong Kong has become an important gateway for overseas investors to access the mainland capital market. These mechanisms not only promote the free flow of capital but also deepen the mutual integration and coordinated development of the mainland and Hong Kong financial markets. In , the total trading volume of the northbound and southbound trades under the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect mechanisms reached . trillion yuan and . trillion Hong Kong dollars respectively, showcasing Hong Kong's outstanding achievements and enormous potential in financial interconnectivity.

Facing the world, "position" to debut. Hong Kong, along with New York and London, is commonly referred to as the "Nylonkong," with the three cities having hour time differences between each other, collectively forming a "seamless" global capital market. This is a significant reason why Hong Kong holds a "position" among international metropolises. As the world's largest offshore RMB business center, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in the internationalization of the RMB. From January to September, Hong Kong accounted for approximately % of global offshore RMB settlement business. This substantial pool of funds not only provides ample liquidity for Hong Kong's financial markets but also offers global investors more diversified investment options and risk management tools.

The "Pearl of the East" will shine even brighter in the future. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has successfully implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, achieving remarkable accomplishments that have captured the world's attention. Today, Hong Kong firmly holds its position as a global financial hub, with its advantages increasingly solidified; it actively integrates into national strategies such as the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, injecting new momentum into its economic development; and it continues to invest in the well-being of its citizens, ensuring that Hong Kong residents live in peace and contentment... In the future, this vibrant and culturally diverse "Pearl of the East" will undoubtedly maintain its unique status and advantages, embracing a bright future of "stability leading to prosperity"!