Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)

We welcomed four companies and one ETF to HKEX’s vibrant markets this week. Check out the highlights for the week at Asia’s most dynamic market for IPOs and new listings: 

HKEX wrapped up an incredible #FII8 in Riyadh with a fruitful final day! We were glad to have shared with our friends in the Middle East about the role Hong Kong continues to play as a premier global capital-raising hub for new economy companies, and it was fantastic to see this theme resonate throughout the week. Discussions ranged from the potential for innovative sectors like biotechnology and renewable energy to the strategic roles public and private markets play in the global investment landscape. We are excited about the future possibilities and collaboration between Asia and the Middle East! Thank you to all our friends and partners who joined us in Riyadh, and we look forward to continuing our conversations! 

We were delighted to host the #ESGAcademy seminar on “Harnessing the Power of Corporate Governance” at #HKEXConnectHall today! In his welcome remarks, HKEX Head of Policy and Secretariat Services Paul Malam underscored the importance of corporate governance to support the sustainable development of companies. Kelly Lee, Senior Vice President, Listing Policy and Secretariat Services at HKEX, shared how HKEX is continuously enhancing corporate governance standards in Hong Kong’s capital markets by updates to the Corporate Governance Code, as well as through effective market education. M. H. Alice A., Co-Lead, Board and CEO Practice, Asia Pacific at Spencer Stuart, spoke on global corporate governance trends and latest boardroom practices, and this was followed by an insightful panel discussion between panellists Renu Bhatia, Chairman of the Exchange’s Listing Committee, May Tan from ACcelerate, Steven Watson from Capital Group and Gabriel Wilson-Otto from Fidelity International on the crucial topic of promoting #boarddiversity and strengthening board independence. Thank you all for joining us today and we look forward to the continued focus on corporate governance in Hong Kong’s capital markets!

HKEX hosted a full house of industry leaders, stakeholders and investors at an exclusive Breakfast event on Day 2 of #FII8, where Chairman Carlson Tong announced the opening of an HKEX office in #Riyadh, and that London Metal Exchange has approved the listing of two warehouses in Jeddah! These developments will make it even easier for investors in the Middle East to access some of the world’s most diverse and liquid capital and commodities markets, and underscores HKEX’s commitment to connect capital with opportunities. HKEX also hosted a panel titled “Capital Markets Connectivity Linking Asia and the Middle East” at the Breakfast session, a spirited discussion moderated by CEO Bonnie Y Chan.    Bonnie also participated in a panel that discussed the next growth drivers in China and how HKEX is primed to support innovative companies in various sectors including biotechnology and renewable energy, as they go through various stages of capital raising, from IPO to follow-on offerings. What a great way to cap off Day 2 of FII8!

HKEX Group General Counsel Paul Chow spoke at ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference today. In his panel, he discussed HKEX’s role as a regulator, market operator and listed corporate in supporting national climate goals and the development of carbon markets. In a separate panel, Head of Policy and Secretariat Services Paul Malam highlighted the initiatives HKEX has implemented, particularly our new climate requirements, in improving the quality and comparability of companies’ climate disclosures. To learn more about our sustainability journey, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gig-2Fuk

#TeamHKEX wrapped up an amazing first day at #FII8 in #Riyadh, with our delegates feeling the excitement as global leaders and key decision makers across industries gather to discuss how investment opportunities can serve as a catalyst for a better future.   HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong said at a panel that both public and private markets will continue to influence the future of global investment, with public markets providing liquidity, transparency, and access to a broad investor base, which is essential for price discovery and efficient capital allocation.   Meanwhile, HKEX CEO Bonnie Y Chan spoke at a separate panel on the global IPO outlook, saying that Hong Kong continues to be a premier capital-raising hub for new economy companies and the world’s 2nd biggest biotech fundraising hub. She also highlighted that HKEX has facilitated over 330 new economy listings, which have raised almost HK$1 trillion.   HKEX Senior Advisor Laura M Cha and INED Apurv Bagri also spoke on panels about HKEX’s vital role in connecting an increasingly fragmented financial world, as well as how macroeconomic factors and supply chain disruptions impact access to natural resources.   Stay tuned for more highlights from our first HKEX Breakfast event on Day 2, as well as from other panels!

We’re pleased to announce plans to open an HKEX office in #Riyadh in 2025, further strengthening our commitment to fostering robust connections with the #MiddleEast! As a leading capital-raising hub, #HKEX continues to play a pivotal role in linking international markets. Our new Riyadh office will serve as a crucial bridge, enabling investors in the Middle East to access opportunities across Asia's dynamic markets! Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/gKWzWEMt

HKEX is pleased to welcome Synagistics Limited (2562 / 2461) to its vibrant markets today, the first-ever De-SPAC in Hong Kong since HKEX introduced SPAC listing rules in 2022! Synagistics is a Singapore-based e-commerce solutions provider for various fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Many congratulations on your #debut!  

HKEX Deputy CEO Wilfred Yiu spoke on Day 2 of Hong Kong FinTech Week about how capital markets are adapting to innovation and technology. In his panel, he noted how HKEX is facilitating the development of leading fintech and biotech companies in Asia and beyond through various listing reforms and the introduction of Chapter 18C, helping fund their growth via Hong Kong’s robust, dynamic and liquid markets. This wraps up HKEX’s panels at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024, thank you for joining us! 

HKEX kicked off its speakers lineup at Hong Kong FinTech Week #HKFTW24 today with Group Chief Technology Officer John Hsu, who shared insights at the AI and Advanced Tech Forum on how HKEX’s role as a regulator and key market infrastructure helps support the development of a thriving market ecosystem by bringing together market stakeholders. He cited the development of the Orion Derivatives Platform as an innovation that is taking shape after extensive consultation and input from various clients and stakeholders. Also today, Co-Head of Markets Glenda So spoke at the WealthTech and InvestTech Forum on how HKEX's key initiatives, such as FINI and Synapse, support the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s capitals markets, whilst the Integrated Fund Platform under development will help deliver a more diverse and vibrant fund distribution ecosystem. She also highlighted the importance of developing the virtual asset market in Hong Kong, announcing the launch of the HKEX Virtual Asset Index Series! We are proud to be leading the discussion on the future of finance, connecting ideas, people, and technologies that drive growth in Asia and beyond. Stay tuned for more insightful sharing from Deputy CEO Wilfred Yiu at the Main Stage tomorrow!