Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) held a gathering in its Trading Hall and Exchange Exhibition Hall today (Friday) after its securities market closed to mark the end of the market’s floor trading.
The remaining floor traders left the floor this week and work will begin soon to redevelop the Trading Hall and Exchange Exhibition Hall into an iconic showcase for Hong Kong’s financial markets.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury James Lau, Securities and Futures Commission Chairman Carlson Tong, HKEX Chairman C K Chow and HKEX Chief Executive Charles Li attended today’s event along with several hundred other people, including current and former floor traders.
The Trading Hall was opened in 1986. Electronic trading was introduced in 1993 and off-floor trading began in 1996. As more and more Stock Exchange Participants chose to trade at their own offices due to the advancement of technology, floor trading declined substantially.
The Trading Hall and Exchange Exhibition Hall will be renamed Hong Kong Connect Hall after they are renovated. Hong Kong Connect Hall will have space for listing ceremonies and other ceremonies, conferences and exhibitions. Its opening is scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
Key dates in Trading Hall and recent Hong Kong securities market history
| 2 April 1986 |
First day of trading in the Hall |
| 1 November 1993 |
Electronic trading introduced |
| 25 January 1996 |
Off-floor trading introduced |
| 23 October 2000 |
Online trading enabled |
| 27 October 2017 |
Last day of trading in the Hall |
Please click here for the evolution of trading at Stock Exchange since Mid-1980s.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (third from left), joined by Financial Secretary Paul Chan (second from left), Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury James Lau (fifth from left), Securities and Futures Commission Chairman Carlson Tong (sixth from left), Legislative Councilor Christopher Cheung (seventh from left), HKEX Chairman C K Chow (fourth from left) and HKEX Chief Executive Charles Li (first from left) take photos with brokers on Hong Kong’s iconic trading floor.
HKEX Chairman C K Chow thanks everyone at the event who has contributed to the success of Hong Kong’s financial services industry.
HKEX Chief Executive Charles Li announces the Trading and Exhibition Hall at Exchange Square will be known as ‘Hong Kong Connect Hall’ after its renovation.
Ends