Hong Kong Passes New RMB Counter Stamp Duty Arrangement: What Investors Should Know

The Hong Kong Government welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 on 8 July 2026. The amendment provides for the calculation and payment of stamp duty arising from transactions of dual-counter stocks conducted at the Renminbi (RMB) counter in RMB. Under the new arrangement, investors will be able to settle both the securities trade and the associated stamp duty in RMB at the same RMB counter. The Government expects this to support turnover and liquidity at RMB counters and strengthen the role of RMB as an international investment currency. For businesses, investors and treasury teams involved in Hong Kong-listed securities or cross-border RMB activities, the change may simplify settlement and cash-flow planning by reducing the need to arrange Hong Kong dollar funding solely for the stamp duty component of an RMB-counter transaction. Relevant operational, accounting and system procedures should nevertheless be reviewed before implementation. The Amendment Ordinance is scheduled to be published in the Gazette on 17 July 2026. However, the new arrangement does not take effect automatically on that date. Its commencement date will be appointed separately by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury through a Gazette notice, allowing time for system preparations by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the industry and relevant government departments. Businesses and investors should therefore monitor the official commencement notice and implementation details before changing settlement procedures. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Source: Inland Revenue Department / Information Services Department — https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/ppr/archives/26070804.htm