RMB deposits in Hong Kong rose by 5.6% to RMB603b
It's 9.1% of total deposits.
According to Barclays, in December, CNH deposits rose by 5.6% to RMB603bn, accounting for 9.1% of total deposits. Best CNH time deposit rates were higher than 3%, RMB appreciated against the USD slightly (+1% q/q in 4Q12) and banks attracted RMB deposits towards year end.
Here's more from Barclays:
Despite the recent RMB appreciation trend (vs USD), current forward exchange rates still imply the RMB should depreciate by 1.4% again the USD over the next 12 months, as China’s economic outlook remains uncertain.
There has been some regulatory progress on Qianhai cross-border lending. 15 banks were granted permission to lend up to Rmb2bn to companies registered in the Qianhai district on Shenzhen on 28 Jan. While this is a symbolic milestone, it is immaterial to bank earnings given that the initial quota is small (~0.3% of system CNH deposits). We will be more optimistic on offshore RMB business if there are more significant regulatory developments on two-way cross-border flow of RMB.