The newly launched ETF strengthens financial connectivity between China and Singapore, providing international investors exposure to onshore RMB-denominated bonds linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.
The CGS-ICBC-CFETS Belt and Road Bond Index ETF has officially debuted on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), marking a significant milestone in cross-border financial collaboration. Listed on 15 October 2026, the exchange-traded fund was jointly launched by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), CGS International Securities (CGS), and the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS). The listing ceremony, attended by prominent diplomatic and financial representatives, celebrated the deepening economic and cultural ties between China and Singapore.
Designed to track the CFETS-CGS The Belt and Road Theme Bond Index, the pioneering ETF offers global investors direct exposure to RMB-denominated bonds within the China Interbank Bond Market. These fixed-income assets are specifically associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), encompassing trade, infrastructure development, and cross-border connectivity. By tracking a rules-based selection of sovereign and corporate bonds, including Panda Bonds, the fund provides a systematic investment approach for those looking to diversify beyond traditional equities.
To accommodate diverse investor preferences, the ETF is available for trading in two currency classes: Singapore dollars (SGD) under the stock code OBR, and offshore Renminbi (CNH) under the code OBU. Managed by CGS International Securities Singapore with ICBC Singapore Branch serving as the investment advisor, the fund offers a convenient and cost efficient vehicle for international capital to participate in the high-quality development of the BRI.
The launch of the ETF serves as a testament to the robust financial synergy between the two nations. Representatives at the ceremony highlighted that the initiative significantly strengthens the connectivity between the financial markets of China and Singapore. Furthermore, it provides broader participation of international capital in the sustainable building of Belt and Road projects. Officials expressed optimism that both sides will continue to innovate within the financial sector, deepening cooperation to generate more tangible outcomes for the global economy.
Source: Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming
