SMS One-time Password (SMS OTP)

SMS OTP is a back-up channel for users to access ESS when user cannot retrieve OTP from the assigned security token. You must first add/update your mobile phone number in “My Profile” under the “Profile Admin” function to ensure you can receive the SMS OTP via your mobile device.

Users can click “Login with SMS Password” at ESS login page to request for an SMS OTP by providing User ID and User Password. Users can then use this SMS OTP to access ESS. Each SMS OTP can only be used once and expires after 150 seconds.

To assist ESS users in verifying the identity of the sender of the SMS OTP, HKEX has joined the SMS Sender Registration Scheme (“Scheme”) offered by The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA). Starting from 11 May 2025, HKEX will start using a Registered SMS Sender ID “#HKEX” to send SMS OTP to local subscribers of mobile services in Hong Kong. 

Please note that the Scheme is not appliable to local subscribers of Single-Card-Multiple-Numbers/ One-Card-Two-Numbers mobile service provided by non-Hong Kong operators.

Reminder: If you receive an SMS OTP claiming to be from “HKEX” but the Sender ID does not start with “#”, please be vigilant. DO NOT disclose any personal or account information or access any hyperlinks in the SMS.

If you do not receive the OTP via SMS after a reasonable period of time, you may click the “Request One-time Password” button on the relevant ESS web page again. If you consistently do not receive the OTP via SMS, please verify the last 4 digits of your mobile phone number displayed on the ESS webpage or contact your ESS Security Officer to review your mobile phone number and registered email address in ESS.

To ensure you can receive SMS OTP properly in China, you should register your China phone number, irrespective of where you are located.

The Exchange does not impose a charge for sending the SMS OTP. However, your mobile service provider may or may not impose a fee for receiving SMS messages. Please check with your mobile service provider.