The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (the HKMA) has updated its Guideline on the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme (the Updated Guideline). The Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme (the GSF Grant Scheme), which was originally launched in 2021, provides subsidies for the costs of eligible green and sustainable bond and loan issuances in Hong Kong. The guideline for the GSF Grant Scheme was previously updated in May 2024 with various enhancements, including an expanded scope to cover transition bonds and loans.
In April 2026, the HKMA announced the Updated Guideline which took effect from 24 April 2026, and applies to all formal applications submitted on or after 24 April 2026 (irrespective of when the bonds are issued).
Although the GSF Grant Scheme and the Updated Guideline apply to both eligible loans and eligible bond issuances, see our debt capital markets briefing which focusses on the bond aspects.
