This report summarizes the results of discussions among ASEAN+3 central bank and central securities depository officers who voluntarily participated in the Cross-border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF). ASEAN+3 finance ministers and central bank governors endorsed the establishment of the CSIF under the Asian Bond Markets Initiative in May 2013 to facilitate discussions on the improvement of cross-border bond and cash settlement infrastructures in the region, including the possibility of establishing a regional settlement intermediary. This report shows the three regional settlement intermediary models analyzed by the CSIF members and suggests next steps moving forward.

This progress report developed by the Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF), composed of the central banks and central securities depositories in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea---collectively known as ASEAN+3, is an important step for the establishment of Central Securities Depository-Real-Time Gross Settlement (CSD-RTGS) Linkages as a regional settlement intermediary in the region. The report shows the desktop study results between the Bank of Japan and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority aiming to create a common model for the linkages. The report also sets out the implementation road map for establishment of CSD-RTGS Linkages. As secretariat of the CSIF, the Asian Development Bank supports this initiative.

This report from the Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF) provides an update on progress toward the establishment of a regional settlement intermediary (RSI) to support investment and more integrated bond markets among ASEAN+3 economies. The proposed RSI is to be based on bilateral links between national central securities depositories and central banks' real-time gross settlement systems. This model can realize cross-border delivery versus payment settlement to enable safe and efficient cross-border financial transactions. The report also highlights emerging trends and challenges in cross-border financial transactions and sets out next steps in establishing an RSI.

This report is an outcome of Phase 3 discussions under the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum Sub-Forum 2, which have focused on making bond market infrastructures in the region more inter-operable through the harmonization of transaction flows, standardization of messaging items, and implementation of international standards. Most markets in the region will have commenced these harmonization and standardization efforts by 2020, thus taking a significant step toward the integration of ASEAN+3 bond markets.

Local currency bond markets in ASEAN+3 play an important role in diversifying financial intermediary channels and mitigating the impacts of financial crises. They also have the potential to help mobilize developing Asia's significant savings to meet the region's enormous infrastructure investment needs. Drawing extensively on knowledge generated by the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum, the publication looks at the essential building blocks and the enabling environment for these markets, as well as the roles of government, relevant authorities, and market participants.

This book takes stock of and analyzes the events during the Asian financial crisis (AFC) and subsequent developments, including the global financial crisis (GFC), that led to the development of the ASEAN+3 regional financial cooperation framework and the establishment of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office. The book is the first of its kind to compile comprehensive recollections of the major players during the AFC and the GFC, including country-level narratives on the causes and developments of the crises, and measures to overcome them. The book not only presents an analytical and deeper examination of country experiences during both crises, but also assesses the two crises and covers the lessons learnt from the crises, particularly with a focus on the development of regional financial cooperation. The book concludes with regional financial cooperation in retrospect, aiming to catalyze further discussions on the direction of the region's financial cooperation.

This publication was prepared for the Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF) to support its efforts to establish central securities depository and real-time gross settlement linkages. It aims to build a common understanding among CSIF members about international standards and gateways for these linkages, including user requirements and technical specifications. The publication reflects the collaborative efforts currently underway to further harmonize and integrate bond markets among the ASEAN+3 economies.