China will start the domestic trading of yuan options against other currencies beginning April 1, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange said on February 16.

The yuan options, which will be offered on the interbank market, will meet market demand for more currency hedging tools as the yuan becomes more flexible. Investors are only able to exercise their rights after the contract expires.

Banks and enterprises will be allowed to buy, but not sell, options during the initial phase. This move is designed to ease foreign exchange trading risks.

Banks involved in the business should have more than three years of experience in trading foreign-exchange forwards.