The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is in early discussions to extend its trading hours, potentially to 5pm or 8pm, according to two sources. The move aims to enhance market competitiveness, though scrapping the lunch break is not being considered.
Hong Kong's assets under management reached a record HK$42.2 trillion (US$5.38 trillion) in 2025, a 20% increase driven by global investor confidence and market innovation. Net fund inflows soared 193% to over HK$2 trillion, highlighting the city's growing strength as a wealth hub.
Mainland Chinese investors bought a record HK$1.19 trillion (US$151.8 billion) in Hong Kong shares via Southbound Stock Connect in the past year, reflecting strong market confidence driven by a robust IPO pipeline. Average daily turnover of these inflows surged 84% year-on-year.
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission signals ambitions to expand global influence in digital assets at the Web3 Festival, with executive director Eric Yip stating the city can be "more aspirational" now that it has a strong local foundation. The city granted its first two stablecoin issuer licences earlier this month and is advancing regulations for crypto dealers and custodians, while Beijing maintains a strict ban on mainland crypto activities.
