Chinese currency grabs spotlight on ASX

Chinese Renminbi (RMB) has staked its claim as an emerging global currency, following a landmark RMB transaction on the ASX that involved advice from prominent law firms

Chinese Renminbi (RMB) has staked its claim as an emerging global currency, following a landmark RMB transaction on the ASX that involved advice from prominent law firms.
 
The transaction saw Bank of China Limited’s Sydney Branch issue a CNY 2 billion (A$343 million) note offering, marking the first ever RMB offering targeting Australian institutional investors.
 
Renminbi is the umbrella terms for all denominations of Chinese currency, including the Chinese equivalent of cents, while CNY (Chinese Yuan) represents the currency's base unit.
 
The listing of the notes on the Official List of ASX Limited is the first ever listing of RMB-denominated bonds issued by a Chinese bank or corporate.
 
The deal also marks the first time RMB-denominated securities have been issued through an Australian branch of an offshore financial institution.
 
Alliance partners Linklaters and Allens acted for Bank of China, led respectively by Linklaters partner Michael Ng in Hong Kong and Allens partner James Darcy.
 
Darcy said the deal followed a string of recent developments in the internationalisation of the RMB.
 
“Importantly, we have recently seen agreement reached between the ASX and Bank of China with respect to the provision of RMB settlement services to the Australian and Chinese financial markets.
 
“Several benefits from this agreement are expected to flow, one of which facilitating the issuance of RMB-denominated bonds by Chinese enterprises into Australian capital markets.” 

Recent articles & video

London law firm penalized for lapses in anti-money laundering training for its staff

Report reveals South Korea faces persistent gender gap in the legal profession

Promotions round beefs up Clyde & Co's Australia partnership

Piper Alderman, Holding Redlich recognised in 2025 Best Lawyers Australia

Far West Regional Law Soc roundtable focuses on access to justice

American Bar Association president Mary Smith calls for action as threats against judges surge

Most Read Articles

Nine promoted to partner at HSF's Australia branch

Brisbane BTR project kicks off with Ashurst's help

K&L Gates lures JWS M&A partner

KWM pitches in on $3.5bn raising for Kinetic