Hong Kong Futures Exchange Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx), has signed an agreement with France-based GL Trade, a leading provider of electronic financial trading software. Under the agreement, market participants around the world will be able to connect to HKATS, the Hong Kong Futures Automated Trading System, through GLs proprietary network, GL Net, pending completion of necessary regulatory approvals.

"This agreement will help us expand the distribution of our Derivatives Market products and build liquidity, for the benefit of market users and shareholders," said Kwong Ki-chi, Chief Executive of HKEx.

"Market participants in major international financial centres will be able to trade directly on HKATS through GL Net, increasing the markets potential order flow and liquidity," said Franck Peltier, Managing Director of GL Trade Asia Limited.

HKEx is the publicly listed holding company of the Hong Kong securities and futures exchanges and their associated clearing houses. It provides a comprehensive range of pre- and post-trade investment services.

GL Trade provides financial trading software and operates via its proprietary network, GL Net, on more than 50 markets worldwide. Its clients comprise over 500 financial institutions, including major banks in Europe, United States and Asia Pacific-Rim.