The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has unveiled significant enhancements to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Financing Guarantee Scheme, as announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. These changes are designed to provide relief to borrowing enterprises facing economic restructuring challenges.

Key Measures Introduced

According to the HKMA, borrowing enterprises under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme will now benefit from an option to apply for a principal moratorium lasting up to 12 months on both existing and new loans. In addition, the maximum loan guarantee periods for the 80% and 90% Guarantee Products will be extended to ten and eight years, respectively. These adjustments aim to reduce the repayment burden on businesses and support them through the current economic transitions.

New Repayment Options

To further assist businesses, new loans under the two guarantee products will also have partial principal repayment options. This initiative is expected to provide enterprises with more flexibility in managing their financial obligations, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of economic restructuring.

Implementation Timeline

HKMC Insurance Limited, a subsidiary responsible for administering the scheme, will coordinate with lending institutions to implement these measures. The HKMA anticipates rolling out these enhancements by November 2024. Borrowing enterprises are encouraged to contact their lending institutions to discuss the new arrangements once they are in place.

For more information, visit the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Image source: Shutterstock