Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX)

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) operates Asia’s third-largest stock exchange and is currently experiencing significant activity and change. The organization is newsworthy due to its record-high annual profit in 2025, a 36% increase driven by higher market turnover and robust IPO activity. HKEX is also undertaking its biggest listing reforms since 2018, broadening its special listing regime to attract more diverse and smaller innovative companies, including lowering the minimum threshold for companies to list under the weighted voting rights (WVR) regime. January 2026 saw a surge in IPO applications, signaling a strong start to the year. Furthermore, HKEX is exploring partnerships with other exchanges, including the Singapore Exchange (SGX), to enhance connectivity and potentially expand yuan business. New energy, AI, EV, and biotech companies are expected to drive future IPO growth. There are also calls for HKEX to extend its stock trading hours to remain competitive with other global financial hubs.