HSBC expands data partnerships through CDI to support Hong Kong SMEs expanding overseas
Hong Kong, 5 October 2026 – HSBC today announced it is expanding its network of trade, cargo and corporate data providers through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Commercial Data Interchange (CDI), supporting its ambition to make banking more responsive to Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they expand across markets.
Through Project CargoX – an initiative to enhance the digital ecosystem for trade finance riding on CDI – HSBC can now access cargo and shipment data from the Port Community System (PCS) and the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Cargo Data Platform. The Bank is also participating in CargoX Connect, which links up CDI and a digital trade platform developed by Shanghai Data Bureau, enabling access to trade declaration data in the Yangtze River Delta region.
HSBC has also completed proof-of-concepts (PoCs) to verify accessibility to data from these sources, an important step towards assessing how information from different parts of the commercial ecosystem could support potential banking services for SMEs with multi-market operations.
Sammy Wong, Managing Director, Head of Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC, said: “For SMEs using Hong Kong as a launchpad, growth can move faster than traditional financial information. A company may be entering a new market, increasing overseas sales or building new business relationships before those changes are reflected in its financial statements. HSBC is now accessing an average of 1.5 million information feeds from CDI every month. By obtaining trusted commercial data, with the appropriate consent and controls, our aim is to reduce friction in SME onboarding and financing, and to provide more relevant support as they grow.”
Alongside its CargoX collaborations, HSBC is now connected with Qichacha (QCC), a leading provider of enterprise information in Chinese Mainland. The connectivity through CDI enables HSBC to access structured corporate information to support Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Buyer (KYB) processes for China-linked businesses. This can support a faster and more seamless account opening and banking experience for businesses from the Mainland.
HSBC was among the first banks in Hong Kong to connect with the Companies Registry through CDI, streamlining online account opening for SMEs. Through this connection, the Bank can access commercial data on the Companies Register, including company names and types, registered office addresses, and details of directors to auto-fill application forms when companies look to open business accounts.
In addition, HSBC’s digital lending platform accepts applications for a range of business and trade finance products. By integrating internal and external data insights, it enables pre-filled application forms and delivers faster, more personalised credit decisions.
Notes to editors:
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 56 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,438bn at 30 June 2026, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and
financial services organisations.