HKEX launches "Exchange Square: 40 Years of Trading" Exhibition Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Modern Securities Exchange

On 28 September, HKEX launched the "Exchange Square: 40 Years of Trading" photo exhibition, reviewing the development of Hong Kong's capital market over the four decades since the establishment of the modern securities exchange. The exhibition runs for four weeks. HKEX held a launch ceremony for the exhibition, with guests including Acting Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Michael Wong, Legislative Council members, representatives of market regulators and financial leaders. Former HKEX Chairmen Ronald Arculli and Chow Chung-kong, as well as management of exhibition strategic partner Hongkong Land, also attended. After the bell-ringing ceremony kicked off the exhibition, HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong, Legislative Council member for the financial services sector Robert Lee, and veteran journalist Sin Wai-kiu shared anecdotes from their past involvement in Hong Kong's capital market, recounting the transformation of Hong Kong's capital market since The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK) began operating at Exchange Square in 1986. HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong said: "For four decades, Exchange Square has stood at the heart of Hong Kong's capital market, witnessing Hong Kong's rise as a leading international financial centre. Throughout this journey, SEHK, its markets and market participants have supported Hong Kong's economic development by connecting capital with opportunities and linking China with the world. Establishing HKEX's permanent headquarters at Exchange Square demonstrates our confidence in Hong Kong's future, and we will continue to actively promote the development of our financial markets and enhance their competitiveness." HKEX Group Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan said: "Exchange Square is not only HKEX's home, but also a hub where the market, companies, investors and the community come together. Through this exhibition, we hope to share with the public the stories, people and key moments that have shaped Hong Kong's capital market over the past 40 years. At the same time, we look forward to creating more opportunities to connect with the community after the upgrading works at HKEX's headquarters, the Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall and the new museum are completed, helping Hong Kong's next generation understand the development history of Hong Kong's market." Hongkong Land Group Chief Executive Michael Smith said: "Exchange Square in Central has been the home of SEHK since the beginning, and Hongkong Land is deeply proud of this. Over the past four decades, we have worked together to build an ecosystem supporting Hong Kong's development as an international financial centre, and our development journeys have been closely intertwined. Now, with HKEX's commitment to making Exchange Square its permanent headquarters, this investment demonstrates both parties' firm confidence and significant commitment to the future of Central and Hong Kong. We look forward to continuing to walk side by side for the next four decades." The exhibition is located in the central lobbies of Exchange Square Tower 1 and Tower 2, showcasing the evolution of Exchange Square and Hong Kong's capital market through five themed zones. The exhibition features precious photographs, historical newspaper clippings, archival footage and numerous artefacts, reflecting the exchange's journey from the trading hall era to today's globally connected market. Looking ahead, HKEX is committed to strengthening the connection between Hong Kong's capital market and the wider community through its headquarters at Exchange Square and the upgraded Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall. In addition, HKEX plans to open a redesigned financial museum in 2027, which will showcase the development and financial history of Hong Kong's market to a new generation through richer exhibits and interactive experiences.