HK bourse eyes second listings from S-E Asia, Middle East firms

It also expects more China-listed firms to raise capital in HK for global expansion

- 

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong stock exchange plans to attract listed companies in South-east Asia and the Middle East, in particular, for second listings in the financial hub, its chief executive said, as the bourse looks to burnish its global credentials.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) also sees a pick-up in the number of companies listed in mainland China markets seeking a listing in the city to raise capital for their global expansion, Ms Bonnie Chan said.

"We're now more focused on companies which are actually already listed on another market, but might have outgrown their domestic market," added Ms Chan, a former capital markets lawyer, who took over as HKEX's first female CEO in 2024.

"I am now beginning to realise that our sweet spot may not be private companies."

As part of those efforts, the Hong Kong stock exchange will soon open a representative office in Riyadh, Ms Chan said, which will allow "even closer connection" with the Saudi exchange, after recent product launches.