BOC in Sydney becomes RMB clearing bank in Australia

Australia's top finance and government officials joined the Bank of China president in Sydney on Monday to officially announce the Bank of China's Sydney branch 's appointment as the clearing bank for the local renminbi (RMB) market in Australia.

Bank of China President Chen Siqing said the development of an RMB market would help cut the cost of currency trade between China and Australia.

"The official launch of the bank in Sydney represents an important step in the internationalization of the RMB," Chen said.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens said the ceremony on Monday marked an important step in the further development of a local renminbi market.

The key direct benefit of the official Australian RMB clearing bank is that it can more efficiently facilitate transactions between Australian firms and their Chinese mainland counterparts using the Chinese currency, he said.

The Bank of China's attempt to step up its presence in the market comes after regulators and banks have for several years sought to remove barriers to the direct currency conversion between Australian dollars and yuan.

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Mike Baird said only 1 percent of trade with China was settled in RMB but there was scope for this to rise significantly.

Stevens said process of RMB internationalization and the associated opening of China's capital account are likely to have significant implications for the global financial system.

"The Chinese authorities have indicated that they intend to continue RMB internationalization and capital account liberalization in the coming years," he said.

"As a result, the opportunities for Australian and Chinese investors to invest in each other's financial markets could grow significantly in the coming years."

"By increasing their familiarity with the RMB as an international transaction currency, local financial institutions, investors and firms are likely to be better placed to take advantage of these future opportunities as they arise."