Latest news with #SecuritiesandFuturesCommission
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong Boost Cross-Border Financial Ties
Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong may soon approve additional cross-border financial products. On Thursday, an exchange-traded fund tracking Saudi government bonds began trading in Hong Kong. This marks the first fixed-income fund in the territory to provide such exposure. Authorities from both regions announced plans to deepen financial ties amid growing trade uncertainties. The newly launched exchange-traded fund represents a significant milestone in Hong Kong's financial market. Julia Leung, CEO of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission, highlighted more products in development. These include a sharia-compliant Sukuk bond and a real estate investment trust. Leung expressed confidence in the cross-listing of various financial products during the Capital Markets Forum. Hong Kong introduced Asia's first ETF tracking Saudi equities in November 2024. This initiative aims to boost capital flows as diplomatic relations between Beijing and Riyadh strengthen. Over recent years, Hong Kong has actively pursued a listing for Saudi Aramco. Such a listing would provide investors in the Asian financial hub with easier access to the Saudi state oil giant. Broadening Financial Ties Amid Global Trade Tensions Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized opportunities beyond stocks at the forum. He noted potential for bonds, derivatives, and other financial products between Hong Kong and the Middle East. This expansion of cross-border products comes amid rising trade tensions. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariff measures, disrupting global markets. A U.S. trade court recently blocked these tariffs from taking effect. The court ruled that the president overstepped his authority by imposing broad duties on imports. When asked about navigating trade deal uncertainties, Chan remarked that the court's move would 'at least bring President Trump to reason.' Strengthening Economic Partnerships The collaboration between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia signifies a strategic effort to enhance financial integration. By introducing innovative financial products, both markets aim to attract diverse investment opportunities. This partnership not only strengthens bilateral economic ties but also positions both regions as key players in the global financial arena. As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, the proactive measures taken by Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia set a precedent. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to fostering economic resilience and growth. Investors and market participants can look forward to a broader range of financial instruments. These developments will undoubtedly contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the global financial landscape. Short link : Post Views: 16
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia may approve more cross-border financial products
HONG KONG/SYDNEY: Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are considering allowing more cross-border financial products, authorities said on Thursday, as the two markets seek to deepen financial ties amid rising trade uncertainties. An exchange-traded fund tracking bonds issued by the Saudi government started trading in Hong Kong on Thursday, the first fixed-income fund listed in the territory to offer such exposure. Apart from the fund, more products - such as a sharia-compliant Sukuk bond and a real estate investment trust - are "in the pipeline" for approval to trade between Hong Kong and Riyadh, said Julia Leung, CEO of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission. "We're very comfortable in the cross listing of whatever products," Leung told those attending the Capital Markets Forum organised by Saudi exchange operator Tadawul Group. Hong Kong launched Asia's first ETF tracking Saudi equities in November 2024, as the two markets look to spur capital flows as diplomatic relations warm between Beijing and Riyadh. In the last few years, Hong Kong has been seen wooing Saudi Aramco to list in the city, a deal that would allow investors in the Asian financial hub easier access to the Saudi state oil giant. Apart from stocks, there are opportunities for bonds, derivatives and other financial products between Hong Kong and the Middle East, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan said at the forum, when asked about the progress of a potential listing of Saudi Aramco. The expansion of cross-border products coincides with rising trade tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed sweeping tariff measures in April roiling global markets. A U.S. trade court on Wednesday blocked the tariffs from going into effect, ruling that the president overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from nations that sell more to the United States than they buy. Asked how countries and companies should navigate the uncertainty of trade deals following the U.S. court block, Chan said the move would "at least bring President Trump to reason". - Reuters
Business Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Hong Kong launches new measures to attract more tech, bio listings
[HONG KONG] Hong Kong launched a scheme on Tuesday (May 6) to offer smoother listings for tech companies on its stock exchange, as it looks to capitalise on Chinese companies' growing appetite to raise funds offshore. The new 'technology enterprises channel' will make new listings easier for specialist technology and biotechnology firms, the bourse operator and Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission said in a joint statement. Under the scheme, the exchange, a unit of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, will provide guidance on the eligibility and suitability for listing for prospective companies. Applicants can confidentially file for initial public offerings, as disclosures of their operational strategies may pose heightened risk compared with other industries, the statement said. It also allows tech firms to list with a weighted voting rights (WVR) structure, which allows companies to hold shares that carry extra voting rights, provided they meet certain requirements. Hong Kong is the main destination for mainland Chinese firms looking to raise capital offshore, and bankers have said that mainland firms, mainly those in the tech sector, are accelerating plans to raise money offshore. Hong Kong authorities had first announced the technology enterprises channel in February. REUTERS
CNA
06-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Hong Kong launches new measures to attract more tech, bio listings
Hong Kong launched a scheme on Tuesday to offer smoother listings for tech companies on its stock exchange, as it looks to capitalize on Chinese companies' growing appetite to raise funds offshore. The new "technology enterprises channel" will make new listings easier for specialist technology and biotechnology firms, the bourse operator and Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission said in a joint statement. Under the scheme, the exchange, a unit of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, will provide guidance on the eligibility and suitability for listing for prospective companies. Applicants can confidentially file for initial public offerings, as disclosures of their operational strategies may pose heightened risk compared to other industries, the statement said. It also allows tech firms to list with a weighted voting rights (WVR) structure, which allows companies to hold shares that carry extra voting rights, provided they meet certain requirements. Hong Kong is the main destination for mainland Chinese firms looking to raise capital offshore, and bankers have said that mainland firms, mainly those in the tech sector, are accelerating plans to raise money offshore.
Reuters
06-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Hong Kong launches new measures to attract more tech, bio listings
May 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong launched a scheme on Tuesday to offer smoother listings for tech companies on its stock exchange, as it looks to capitalize on Chinese companies' growing appetite to raise funds offshore. The new "technology enterprises channel" will make new listings easier for specialist technology and biotechnology firms, the bourse operator and Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission said in a joint statement. Under the scheme, the exchange, a unit of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, ( opens new tab will provide guidance on the eligibility and suitability for listing for prospective companies. Applicants can confidentially file for initial public offerings, as disclosures of their operational strategies may pose heightened risk compared to other industries, the statement said. It also allows tech firms to list with a weighted voting rights (WVR) structure, which allows companies to hold shares that carry extra voting rights, provided they meet certain requirements. Hong Kong is the main destination for mainland Chinese firms looking to raise capital offshore, and bankers have said that mainland firms, mainly those in the tech sector, are accelerating plans to raise money offshore. Hong Kong authorities had first announced the technology enterprises channel in February.
