The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) (00388), Chen Yiting, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of market demands, including listing thresholds, offering processes, and compliance requirements. She stated that reforms are an ongoing process aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong's listing market, supporting the development of the real economy, and meeting the specific needs of various types of enterprises. She mentioned that HKEX has been continuously reforming its listing system since 2018, including creating tailored listing chapters for pre-revenue biotech companies, specialist technology companies, and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), namely Chapters 18A, 18C, and 18B. This ensures the listing system and thresholds meet the needs of companies across different sectors, and the listing framework will be appropriately adjusted, with public consultation to follow once proposals are mature. Chen Yiting revealed that the specialized channel for technology companies has been well-received by the market, and among the companies currently queuing for listing, over 100 are from Chapters 18A and 18C. She further indicated that while HKEX has traditionally focused on the stock market, rising demand from global investors for diversification means they seek allocations beyond stocks to include derivatives, commodities, and fixed income products. Therefore, HKEX will continue to actively diversify its product offerings to enrich investor choice. Director and Head of Markets at HKEX, Yu Xueqin, added that a multi-asset investment product platform is the future direction for HKEX, including fixed income, gold futures, and commodity products. He also stated that work is progressing on zero-day-to-expiry (0DTE) options, with the aim of launching them as soon as possible.
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