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HKEX Milestones
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2025
HKEX celebrates 25 years as a listed company

For its 25th listing anniversary, HKEX celebrates the resilience, vibrancy and sustainability of its markets by engaging its communities through a series of activities, including a citywide tour featuring the iconic HKEX Gong.

HKEX headquater
2025
HKEX invests in permanent group headquarters

HKEX entered into an agreement with Hongkong Land to establish its permanent headquarters. The investment in Exchange Square, which has been home to the city’s stock exchange for nearly four decades, will enable the Group to meet its evolving business and operational needs over the longer term, and better support its engagement with stakeholders. The strategic investment also underscores the Group’s commitment to the growth and development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, and reflects HKEX’s standing as a global exchange.

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2025
HKEX signs MoU with HKMA’s CMU OmniClear to expand FIC ecosystem

HKEX and CMU OmniClear signed a memorandum of understanding to explore initiatives that would enhance Hong Kong’s post-trade securities infrastructure and support the long-term development of the city’s fixed-income and currencies (FIC) ecosystem. CMU OmniClear is a company established to carry out the operations of the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). This agreement underscores HKEX’s strategic commitment to building a vibrant, world-leading FIC ecosystem.

carbon zeroHKEX139s
2024
HKEX achieves carbon neutrality in its operations

HKEX achieved carbon neutrality across the group’s operations in 2024, underscoring its commitment to advancing the global net-zero transition and setting an important example for Hong Kong’s broader listed issuer community.

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2024
HKEX ends single-gender boards among issuers

HKEX became one of the world’s first international exchanges to end single-gender boards for listed companies on a mandatory basis with a compliance deadline by the end of 2024. This is part of HKEX’s ongoing commitment to promoting board diversity in global capital markets and fostering a more inclusive and diverse corporate environment . Hong Kong’s listed issuer community has encouragingly embraced this new chapter with a high compliance rate, creating hundreds of new roles for female directors.

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2024
HKEX initiates multi-year platform development projects

HKEX initiated the development of a new proprietary derivatives platform – Orion Derivatives Platform – to address evolving client needs with enhanced trading, clearing and risk management capabilities. HKEX also kicked off the post-trade services modernisation project of its Orion Cash Platform, aiming to introduce modern and efficient post-trade services for Hong Kong’s securities market.

severe weather trading_s
2024
Enabling Severe Weather Trading

HKEX implemented Severe Weather Trading (SWT) arrangements from September 2024, making Hong Kong's securities and derivatives markets available for trading, clearing and settlement during severe weather conditions. This initiative supports local, Mainland China and international investors in responding to global market developments during Hong Kong trading hours, whatever the weather conditions.

stock connect
2023
HKEX implements far-reaching Connect enhancements

HKEX implemented the most far-reaching enhancements to its Connect programmes since the launch of Stock Connect in 2014, such as the inclusion of Hong Kong primary-listed international companies to Southbound Stock Connect trading, the addition of more than 1,000 new underlying stocks to Northbound trading; the launch of Swap Connect; the introduction of Synapse and an increase in Stock Connect trading days.

London office
2023
HKEX increases international networks

HKEX strengthened its international networks, celebrating the new international offices in New York and London and signing MOUs with the Indonesia Stock Exchange and the Saudi Tadawul Group. In December, HKEX partnered with the Saudi Arabia-based FII Institute and the HKSAR Government to bring the FII PRIORITY summit to APAC for the first time.

Fini_resixed
2023
FINI modernises Hong Kong’s IPO infrastructure

HKEX launched FINI (Fast Interface for New Issuance) in November to centralise and digitalise IPO settlement processes, shortening the time between the pricing of an IPO and the trading of shares from five business days (T+5) to two business days (T+2). This initiative brings greater efficiency and convenience to market participants and issuers, helping them to better manage their risks and costs.

HKEX_DualCounter_PR_0014
2023
HKD-RMB Dual Counter Model

HKEX launched its new Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)-Renminbi (RMB) Dual Counter Model in its securities market in June. Twenty-four designated shares can be traded and settled in either RMB or HKD counters. A Dual Counter Market Making Programme is also available to offer continuous buy and sell quotes for securities in the RMB counter, providing liquidity for these securities and minimising any possible price discrepancies between the two.

2022
Core Climate

Carbon celebration
2022
HKEX’s Carbon Initiatives
In October 2022 HKEX launched Core Climate, Hong Kong’s international carbon marketplace, providing a platform for the effective and transparent trading of voluntary carbon credits and instruments and supporting the global transition to net-zero. The Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council, which was formed in July 2022, has supported the development of Core Climate and continues to drive Hong Kong’s growth as a world-class leading carbon hub.
ETF Inclusion Ceremony Copy
2022
Inclusion of ETFs in Stock Connect
The inclusion of ETFs in Stock Connect signifies our ambition to enhance our ETF franchise and reinforces Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s ETF marketplace. It is also an exciting development in our Connect Programme, supporting further growth and development of both the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets.
SPAC
2022
HKEX welcomes first SPAC listing
The introduction of listing rules for SPACs adds a new and attractive route for issuers to list on Hong Kong’s market, further diversifying HKEX’s listing offerings and elevating our role in fuelling the aspirations of the companies of tomorrow. HKEX’s high-quality SPAC listing framework is unique to Hong Kong--it targets SPAC listing applications from experienced and reputable SPAC Promoters seeking good quality De-SPAC Targets, ensuring investor protection while boosting the attractiveness of Hong Kong’s market.
2021_our_history_msci_A50_524x304
2021
MSCI China A 50 Connect Index Futures launches
The first A-share derivatives product provides international investors with a new and effective risk management tool to manage their portfolios of Stock Connect eligible A-shares, reflecting the increasing global reliance on Stock Connect to access Mainland China’s burgeoning equity markets.
2020
HKEX 20th Anniversary

2020_our_history_stage_524x304
2020
Launch of the HKEX Sustainable & Green Exchange: Stage
Asia’s first multi-asset sustainable investment product platform, supporting fast-growing global demand for sustainable finance. HKEX STAGE will allow issuers to provide investors with more information on their sustainable investment products, promoting transparency and facilitating access.
MSCI_en
2020
HKEX partnership with MSCI
HKEX signs a major agreement with MSCI to license indexes to launch Asia and Emerging Markets Futures & Options contracts in Hong Kong.
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2020
HKEX Foundation
HKEX Foundation launches its flagship HKEX Charity Partnership Programme, initiating a $20 million commitment to support long-term projects for community causes under four key themes, namely financial literacy, social diversity and inclusion, poverty relief, and environmental sustainability.
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2020
HKEX 20th Anniversary
HKEX celebrates the 20th anniversary of its own share listing.
2019bayconnect
2019
HKEX acquires BayConnect
HKEX completes the acquisition of a majority stake in Mainland technology firm, BayConnect, formerly known as Ronghui Tongjin.
2019nextgen
2019
Client Connect begins
Client Connect was launched on 14 May, as a key component of the Next Generation Post Trade Programme.
2018
New Listing Rules

2018-Xiaomi-listing
2018
Xiaomi becomes First New Economy company to List under New Listing Rules
Xiaomi, a technology company from Mainland China, becomes the first new economy company to list in Hong Kong under the new listing rules on 9 July. The new rules welcome new economy companies with weighted voting right structure and pre-revenue biotech companies, and were designed to diversify and further strengthen Hong Kong's capital market.
2018-Listing-Consultation-Conclusion
2018
New Listing Rules take effect for New Economy and Biotech companies
New additions to the Listing Rules take effect, welcoming new economy companies that use non-standard share structures and pre-revenue biotech companies for the first time. This most significant change to the Listing Rules in a quarter century, ensures Hong Kong continues connecting opportunities and growth.
2018-Connect-Hall
2018
HKEX Connect Hall officially opens
On-Floor Trading came to an end as trading goes electronic due to the technology advancement. The Trading Hall and Exchange Exhibition Hall are renamed Hong Kong Connect Hall and re-open as a financial market showcase and museum in February.
2017-bondconnect
2017
Bond Connect launches
Bond Connect launches as part of HKEX’s Mutual Market access programme, providing global investors with fast, convenient access to China’s interbank bond market.
2016
Shenzhen Stock Connect

2016-SZHK-Stock-Connect-Begins
2016
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect begins
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect starts its operations on 5 December, ushering in Mutual Market Access 2.0, giving Mainland investors access to small cap companies in Hong Kong and international investors access to innovative, new economy companies listed in Shenzhen.
London-connect
2015
HKEX signs an MOU on the development of London-Hong Kong Connect
The Hong Kong Futures Exchange, HKFE Clearing Corporation, LME and LME Clear, sign an MOU on 21 October to develop “London-Hong Kong Connect” to link HKEX Group’s commodities markets in Hong Kong and London in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
2014
Stock Connect Begins

Launch-on-Shanghai-Hong-Kong-Stock-Connect
2014
Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Launches
Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the first mutual market access programme is launched on 17 November. For the first time, investors in Shanghai and Hong Kong are able to trade listed shares in the other markets directly through their own local brokers and exchange.
2014-LME-Clear-launch
2014
LME Clear starts operations
LME Clear starts its operations on 22 September, giving LME the ability to pursue new markets, new products and new capabilities, particularly in extending the LME franchise to Asian timezones and in adding RMB capabilities.
2013-(2)
2013
OTC Clear launches
OTC Clearing Hong Kong is established by HKEX to provide clearing services for over-the-counter derivatives. OTC Clear is a 75 per cent owned subsidiary of HKEX with 12 financial institutions as Founding Shareholders. It is a key part of HKEX’s strategy to develop its fixed income and currency business, leveraging on the accelerating internationalisation of the RMB and Hong Kong’s position as the premier offshore RMB centre.
2013
2013
New HKEX Data Centre Opens
HKEX opens new Data Centre in Tseung Kwan O, further strengthening the technological foundation of HKEX’s market and marking a bold commitment to the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. HKEX also offers Hosting Services for the first time with the opening of the data centre.
2013-after-hours-futures-trading
2013
After-hours Futures trading rolls out
HKEX launches After-hours Futures trading on 8 April to allow investors to hedge or adjust their positions in response to market news and events in Hong Kong and overseas during most of Europe’s business hours, and the morning part of the US business day.
2012
London Metal Exchange

2012
2012
HKEX acquires LME
HKEX acquired the London Metal Exchange (LME), the world’s premier metal exchange since its foundation in 1877.
2012-CESC-launch
2012
CESC Officially Opens
China Exchanges Services Company (CSEC), a joint venture formed by HKEX, the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange for the development of financial products and related services, officially commenced operations on 30 October.
2011-extended-trading-hours
2011
Trading Hours Extended
HKEX extended the trading hours for its securities and derivatives markets, aligning the opening of the Hong Kong and the Mainland markets trading session to further increase the overall competitiveness of HKEX’s markets in the region.
2010-AIA-(2)
2010
AIA Group’s IPO becomes the largest in Hong Kong’s history
AIA Group raised $159.1 billion in October 2010, making it the largest IPO in Hong Kong’s market history and the third largest in the world.
2009-Free-Real-time-site
2009
HKEX starts free real-time basic Market prices website service
HKEX starts a free real-time basic Market prices website service for the free dissemination of real-time price information for all Hong Kong-traded securities.
2006
2006
ICBC First Company to Issue A and H-shares simultaneously in Shanghai and Hong Kong
ICBC is not only the largest IPO ever in 2006, but also the first simultaneous dual-listing in Shanghai and Hong Kong of A-shares and H-shares respectively. The IPO raised US$21.9 billion from dual-listing.
2006
CBBCs Debut

2006-CBBC-launch
2006
CBBCs Debut in Hong Kong
Callable Bull/Bear Contracts are listed and traded in Hong Kong for the first time.
2005
2005
CCB First State-owned Commercial Bank to List
China Construction Bank Corporation (CCB), the world’s largest IPO at that time, chooses to list in Hong Kong. The bank raised $71.6 billion through its initial public offering.
Hong-Kong-Exchanges-and-Clearing-Limited-listed
2000
HKEX Lists on the Stock Exchange
The Stock Exchange, the Futures Exchange and the HKSCC became wholly owned subsidiaries of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) on 6 March. HKEX becomes one of the first stock exchanges in the world to go public, with its own shares (stock code 388) on 27 June.
2000
Pre-HKEX Era

1999-Tracker-fund-listing
1999
Tracker Fund of Hong Kong becomes First ETF Listed in Hong Kong
The Tracker Fund of Hong Kong becomes the first ETF listed on the Stock Exchange, raising $33.3 billion, the largest IPO ever in Asia at the time excluding Japan.
1996
1996
Trading moves off the trading floor for the first time
Securities trading moved off the trading floor for the first time on 25 January. Terminals installed in securities brokers’ offices enable them to execute trades from their offices in addition to the Trading Hall.
1993-Tsingtao-listing
1993
First H-Share listing in Hong Kong
SEHK developed a new listing framework in 1993 to allow companies incorporated in Mainland China to list in Hong Kong. On 15 July 1993, Tsingtao Brewery became the first H-share to list. Hundreds of H-share listings have followed since then, with trillions in funds raised by Chinese companies to help them expand into international markets and build global brands.
1986 Opening of Stock Exchange trading hall_s
1986
Trading Hall opens at Exchange Square
SEHK opened for business at the newly constructed Trading Hall in Exchange Square at the heart of Central in April 1986. At its peak, the premises accommodated over 1,200 floor traders.
1980 ceritficate copy
1980
Incorporation of SEHK
The incorporation of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) unified Hong Kong’s four exchanges – the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Far East Exchange, the Kam Ngan Stock Exchange and the Kowloon Stock Exchange.
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