StanChart RMB globalisation index inched 3% higher to 1,183

Here's what boosted this growth.

According to a release, Standard Chartered announced that the Standard Chartered Renminbi Globalisation Index, or the RGI, re-accelerated in September, rising 3% month-on-month to 1,183, thanks to strong Renminbi deposit growth in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Offshore Renminbi deposit growth accounted for 60% of the index’s gains in September. Deposits in Hong Kong rose further to CNY730 billion. Taiwan’s total Renminbi deposits reached CNY98.7 billion at end-September, translating into 1.4% of total domestic deposits. This compares to the 10% share in Hong Kong, suggesting ample growth potential for Taiwan’s market.

Cross-border Renminbi payments also contributed to RGI gains, with London enjoying the biggest month-on-month increase of 15.7% among the key offshore centres in September. According to SWIFT, strong growth in Renminbi corporate payments in the third-quarter brought Europe on par with Asia.

Beyond London, other European cities like Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, Rome and Amsterdam – some of China’s top European trading partners -- will also drive Renminbi trade settlement.

Continued policy support, such as currency swap pacts the UK and the euro area have recently signed with China, should lend plenty of momentum to the RGI approaching the year-end. The RGI is on track to surpass our early-2013 target of 1,200 next month.