Brussels, 23 January 2014 - A symbolic milestone has been achieved by the Chinese currency, as in both November and December 2013 it was one of the top ten most-used currencies for payments in terms of value. Over the past three years, the RMB overtook 22 currencies, most recently the Singapore Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar, and is now trailing the Swiss franc 1.12% to 1.29%.
"A question is whether the RMB will continue its climb - or at least maintain its status as a 'top ten' currency for payments. We might expect it to fall back during Q1 2014 as a result of the Chinese New Year, as we have seen previously" says Franck de Praetere, Head of Payments and Trade Markets, Asia Pacific, at Swift. "The fact that between November and December 2013 other currencies grew seven percent whilst the RMB grew 15 percent , however, might suggest that use of the Chinese currency is becoming business as usual for the world's financial institutions and corporates."
Adds Mr. de Praetere: "Now that the RMB has consolidated its position as a globally-used currency, we expect the industry's attention to shift to discussions on the best architecture for RMB cross-border transactions so the market can reach levels of operational efficiency, risk and liquidity management on par with other globally-traded currencies."
RMB payments remain concentrated in Hong Kong, which has a 74% market share in terms of value, with strong growth seen in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Taiwan.
About Swift
Swift is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect more than 10,000 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 212 countries and territories. Swift enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. Swift also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest.
For more information about Swift, please visit http://www.swift.com/ or follow us on http://www.twitter.com/swiftcommunity and LinkedIn: Swift
About Swift RMB Tracker & RMB Internationalisation
Launched in September 2011, the Swift RMB Tracker provides monthly reporting on key statistics to understand the progress made by RMB towards becoming an international currency. To register for the RMB Tracker in English, Traditional or Simplified Chinese, visit swift.com (select ‘Banks on Swift') or e-mail swiftforbanks@swift.com
For more information about RMB Internationalisation, please visit http://www.swift.com/products/renminbi/overview/ or join our new ‘Business Intelligence Transaction Banking' LinkedIn group!
Disclaimer: This report is provided for information only. If the customer or any third party decides to take any course of action or omission based on this report and/or any conclusion contained therein, they shall do so at their own risk and Swift shall not be liable for any loss or damage, arising from their acts or omissions based on this report and/or any recommendations contained therein.
Swift
Ernest Chan
Head of Media Relations, Asia Pacific
Tel: +852 2107 8873
ernest.chan@swift.com
Bite Communications
Rosemary Merz
Tel: +852 2973 0222
rosemary.merz@bitecommunications.com
