The overall principle of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) when considering an issuers compliance with the Listing Rules is to balance regulatory requirements and investor protection without restricting the issuers business activities.

A spokesman for HKEx was responding to media enquiries about the status under the Listing Rules of companies reporting negative net assets.

"When considering whether an issuer is suitable for continued listing, we consider all factors, including the level of operations, tangible assets, and the potential value of intangible assets," the spokesman said. "We are also prepared to agree to alternative tests of listing suitability on an issuer-by-issuer basis.

"We make decisions, on almost a daily basis, relating to listed issuers that could be considered of public interest. However, HKEx believes that it is inappropriate for it to comment on individual cases. Rather, it is the responsibility of the issuer to decide whether to make an announcement about any decision relating to it. In certain cases, such an announcement by the issuer may be specifically required under the Listing Rules and the issuer will be obliged to do so," the spokesman said.