Press Release

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), having maintained close communication with the banking industry to follow up on the needs of individuals affected by the Tai Po fire, announced today (28 September) a further extension of the credit support measures.

 

Recognising that some affected residents may need time to complete their housing and financial-related arrangements, the banking industry agreed to continue providing the below support measures following discussions with the HKMA and HKAB:

 

• Extend the repayment grace period for various loans – All 28 retail banks will further extend the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for existing mortgages, personal loans, credit card loans etc. of affected individuals by an additional six months to the end of May 2027. Such extension aims to alleviate the financial burden of affected individuals and provide them with greater flexibility in making long-term housing arrangements.

 

• Flexibly handle Wang Fuk Court (WFC) mortgage matters – All the WFC mortgagee banks will continue to assist WFC mortgagors and borrowers who sell their property rights to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The banks will handle their mortgages in a flexible manner, including further extending the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for the original mortgage loan until the newly-purchased unit is ready for intake.  The relevant banks will also maintain close communication with the mortgagors and borrowers to facilitate a smooth transition to their long-term housing arrangements.

 

In March this year, the HKMA and HKAB introduced measures in support of the Government’s long-term housing arrangements for WFC.  The banking industry has since actively communicated with relevant Government departments and stakeholders to implement the various details of the mortgage arrangements.  The HKMA, HKAB and the banking industry will continue to closely follow up on the needs of affected residents through the existing communication mechanism and provide appropriate assistance to each individual case in an empathetic and flexible manner.

 

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

The Hong Kong Association of Banks

 

28 September 2026