Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today (Wednesday) marked the 21st anniversary of its listing in Hong Kong with a celebration ceremony held at HKEX Connect Hall.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam was guest of honour at the ceremony, alongside Hong Kong Financial Secretary, Paul Chan. They were joined at the event by members of the HKEX Board of Directors and HKEX senior management, where a new corporate film was unveiled highlighting the importance of connectivity and sustainability in the future of Hong Kong’s financial markets.

“Hong Kong lives up to our reputation as an international financial centre – rules-based, reliable and resilient. And HKEX has certainly stood strong in the challenges of the last two years, contributing significantly to Hong Kong’s status as a premier fund-raising centre and an international financial capital. To stay ahead of the game, especially in a highly competitive sector like finance, we need to stay alert, seize opportunities timely, innovate continuously and apply technology vigorously,” said Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

“My congratulations to HKEX on its 21st Anniversary, and I look forward to working together with the Exchange in the coming years to build a bright future for Hong Kong,” she added.

HKEX was established in 2000 following the merger of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Futures Exchange, and the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company.

Over the past 21 years, HKEX has played a central role in the growth and development of Hong Kong’s financial industry, building the breadth and depth of the market, driving quality and attractiveness as a listing, risk management, trading and investment centre and underpinning the reputation of Hong Kong as a world-leading international financial centre. The company has grown to become one of the world’s most significant international exchange groups, and today plays a unique role as both leading destination market and gateway to China.

HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha said: “HKEX has demonstrated the forward looking reinvention traits that so famously characterise Hong Kong, cementing its relevance as Asia’s global marketplace, playing an ever more critical role in connecting China with the world, and the world with China."

Mrs Cha added: "Rooted in our community, HKEX has also become a sustainability change agent, helping Hong Kong listed issuers and our market transition towards a greener, more sustainable future. We look forward to the next 21 years ahead!”

HKEX Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Aguzin said: “HKEX is woven into the fabric of Hong Kong and today it underpins one of the most important and vibrant international financial centres in the world. But however rich the trappings of the past, we know we must never stand still.”

“We have a big role to play today, and in the years ahead, as one of the world’s premier markets; as a trusted destination where the world comes to trade Asian and Chinese underlying; and as the gateway to the most exciting economic growth story in memory, perhaps ever – China,” said Mr Aguzin.

HKEX’s strong development path over the past 21 years parallels the substantial expansion of Hong Kong’s financial markets during the period. Total market capitalisation of Hong Kong’s cash equities market reached $53.3 trillion in June 2021, up from $4.86 trillion in 2000; while the cash market’s average daily turnover jumped to $197 billion so far this year, from just $13 billion in 2000. Similarly, in Hong Kong’s derivatives market, an average of 1.26 million contracts have been traded every day so far this year, up from just 37,500 average daily contracts in 2000. HKEX itself, has seen its revenues increase seven fold between 2000 and 2020.

 

Guest of Honour Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam congratulates HKEX on its anniversary.  

HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha delivers welcome remarks.

HKEX CEO Nicolas Aguzin highlights the opportunities that lie ahead for HKEX.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (centre), Financial Secretary Paul Chan (fourth from left)  HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha (fifth from left) and CEO Nicolas Aguzin (fifth from right), joined by HKEX’s Board of Directors to mark the 21st anniversary of HKEX. 

Paul Chan, Laura M Cha, Carrie Lam and Nicolas Aguzin. (from left to right)

 

About HKEX

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is one of the world’s major exchange groups, and operates a range of equity, commodity, fixed income and currency markets.  HKEX is the world’s leading IPO market and as Hong Kong’s only securities and derivatives exchange and sole operator of its clearing houses, it is uniquely placed to offer regional and international investors access to Asia’s most vibrant markets.

HKEX is also the global leader in metals trading, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, The London Metal Exchange (LME) and LME Clear Limited.  This commodity franchise was further enhanced with the launch of Qianhai Mercantile Exchange (QME), in China, in 2018.

HKEX launched the pioneering Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme in 2014, further expanded with the launch of Shenzhen Connect in 2016, and the launch of Bond Connect in 2017.

www.hkexgroup.com

 

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