Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00388) Chen Yiting: Considering listing reform from all angles, more than 100 18A and 18C chapter companies are in line to be listed.

The new budget in Hong Kong mentions many reform measures for the stock market. Charles Li, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (00388), emphasized the need to consider market demand comprehensively, including listing requirements, IPO processes, compliance requirements, etc. He mentioned that reform is an ongoing process, with the aim of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness in the stock market, supporting the development of the real economy, and meeting the specific needs of different types of companies. He mentioned that since 2018, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has been continuously reforming the listing system. This includes customizing listing chapters for bio-tech, special tech, and SPAC companies that have not yet made a profit, namely chapters 18A, 18C and 18B, to ensure that the listing system and requirements can meet the needs of different types of companies. They will adjust the listing framework appropriately and seek public consultation once the proposals are mature. Li revealed that the "Biotech Connect" program has been well received by the market. Currently, there are over 100 companies queuing up for listing under chapters 18A and 18C. She further stated that while the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has traditionally focused on the stock market, there is a growing demand from global investors for diversified products beyond stocks, such as derivatives, commodities, and fixed income products. Therefore, they will continue to actively diversify their products to enrich the choices available to investors. YU Hok-kwan, Managing Director and Head of Markets at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, added that a multi-asset investment product platform is the future direction for the Exchange, including fixed income, gold futures, and commodity products. He also mentioned that they are working on launching zero date options (0DTE) and hope to introduce them soon.