The Securities and Futures Commission informed Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) on 19 April that, pursuant to section 67 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571), the amendments to the Articles of Association of HKEx, as set out in the Circular to shareholders dated 9 March this year, were approved by the Commission on Monday (18 April). The amendments took immediate effect upon the SFC's approval.

The amendments were made to reflect the changes for stricter compliance with the new Code on Corporate Governance Practices, as set out in Appendix 14 of the Stock Exchange's Listing Rules, as well as certain minor housekeeping amendments.

Shareholders approved the amendments to the Articles of Association of HKEx by a special resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 12 April this year. The amendments to the Articles of Association as set out in the Circular are available on the HKEx website (http://www.hkex.com.hk).