The Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE) said today that electronic trading would move to its new Hong Kong Futures Automated Trading System (HKATS) on Monday, April 19th after more than four months of rigorous HKATS tests.

All the HKFE products which are currently traded electronically will switch to HKATS. Hang Seng Index (HSI) Futures and Options, which are traded in the open outcry environment, are scheduled to migrate to HKATS shortly after Monday's transition.

"We are committed to electronic trading and HKATS is the platform for our future growth," HKFE Chief Executive Randy Gilmore said.

HKATS uses OMex 15.2 software, a newer version of the OMex 12.6-1 software that drives the Exchange's current electronic trading system.

The HKATS logo combines a bold, high-tech style with the human touch of traditional Chinese calligraphy. The strong Hong Kong element reflects the HKFE's commitment to supporting Hong Kong's financial infrastructure. (The new HKATS logo is available in the News Centre section of the HKFE's web site: www.hkfe.com.)

"HKATS gives the Exchange another competitive edge," Mr. Gilmore said. "It's also aimed at enhancing Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre."

Mr. Gilmore thanked Member firms for their help in preparing for Monday's transition, saying "without their co-operation and assistance in the development, installation and testing of HKATS, the Exchange would not have been able to bring it into production six months ahead of our original schedule."

The Hong Kong Futures Exchange is a leading futures and options market place in the Asia Pacific Region, with a membership of over 130 companies, including a number of major international institutions. The Exchange is actively diversifying its product base, which now includes currency, interest rate and equity-based products.

For further enquiries, please contact HKFE Corporate Communications Manager Miss Chiu Yeung on 2842 9322.