From a local exchange to a global capital-raising marketplace, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to celebrate 25 years of connecting capital with opportunity —marking a silver jubilee of innovation, resilience, vibrancy and growth.
HKEX hosted a commemorative event today (Friday) at HKEX Connect Hall to mark this special occasion, hosted by HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, and HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, and kicked off with a special recorded address by Hong Kong Chief Executive, John Lee, congratulating HKEX on its important milestone. Distinguished guests of honour including Hong Kong Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, were in attendance, as well as current and former members of HKEX’s Board of Directors and senior management.
A special highlight of the anniversary event was an engaging panel discussion featuring former HKEX chairs Laura M Cha, CK Chow, and Ronald Arculli, as well as HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, with the leaders sharing their stories of ambition, collaboration, and achievement over the last quarter century and beyond.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, said: “As we mark 25 years of HKEX’s establishment, we celebrate the accomplishments of Hong Kong’s financial community in building today’s vibrant world-class marketplace that connects China and international opportunities. From pioneering IPOs, to the continuous listing reforms and infrastructure enhancements, and to the dynamic, tech-driven capital markets that define our IFC, our journey has been one of progress and purpose. This anniversary is a reaffirmation of our commitment to shaping the future of finance in Hong Kong and across the region. On behalf of HKEX, I would like to share my heartfelt thanks to all our participants, partners, stakeholders, and our colleagues, past and present, for their many contributions in driving the success of our markets.”
HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, said: “HKEX’s 25-year journey is a story of transformation — of markets, of technology — and of ambitious growth. From our roots as a local exchange to our role today as a global financial hub with a broad investor base and a rich product ecosystem, we’ve embraced change with conviction and passion. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous innovation and progress, ensuring HKEX is future-ready, as it continues to shape the global financial landscape. This anniversary is a moment to thank our people and partners, and to affirm our commitment to building a more connected, sustainable and forward-looking marketplace for the next chapter of growth.”
As a purpose-driven organisation, HKEX is fully committed to promoting and progressing its markets and the communities they serve for the prosperity of all. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, HKEX is pleased to announce that its charitable arm, the HKEX Foundation, is committing at least $25 million to a new flagship charity programme focusing on the support of caregivers.
This three-year programme aims to provide assistance to societal caregiving by delivering long-term, meaningful impact, while aligning with HKEX’s broader community engagement goals. More details on the programme’s launch will be shared later in 2025.
Since 2000, HKEX has developed into a leading global market operator and a superconnector between Mainland China and the rest of the world. The average daily turnover (ADT) of HKEX’s securities market has surged over 17 times to $240 billion so far in 2025, compared with ADT of $13 billion in 2000, demonstrating sustained growth and investor interest. Growth in the derivatives market has been even more pronounced, with average daily volume of 1.76 million contracts so far this year, up sharply from the 37,500 contracts that traded in 2000.
Meanwhile, the strong momentum in Hong Kong’s IPO market is continuing, with HKEX now ranking first in IPO fundraising globally. HKEX has welcomed 31 new IPOs since the start of 2025 through 20 June, raising over $88.4 billion, reinforcing its role as a premier capital-raising venue.
HKEX is committed to continuously elevating the attractiveness and competitiveness of its markets and has implemented various initiatives to enhance its infrastructure, diversify its product offerings, and expand its global reach.
The landmark Connect programme, which initially began with stocks, has been expanded to encompass bonds, ETFs, interest rate swaps, and will later include REITs. Additionally, HKEX is implementing a number of platform and infrastructure enhancements, including the development of the Orion Cash and Derivatives Platforms, building future-ready market infrastructure that will help differentiate Hong Kong’s markets and deliver long-term sustainable growth and development.
As part of its 25th anniversary programme, HKEX is today launching a citywide celebration with the first-ever HKEX Gong Tour—bringing the iconic HKEX Gong to the wider Hong Kong community over a period of two weeks.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivers a special video address at HKEX’s 25th Anniversary Event.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan gives a speech at the event.
HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong gives a welcome address.
HKEX Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Y Chan delivers a speech at the event.
Paul Chan, Carlson Tong and other guests strike the Gong to celebrate HKEX’s 25th anniversary.
Carlson Tong (first from right) and former HKEX chairs Laura M Cha (second from left), CK Chow (second from right) and Ronald Arculli (centre) share their personal stories about HKEX during a panel discussion hosted by Bonnie Y Chan (first from left).
About HKEX
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly-traded company (HKEX Stock Code: 388) and one of the world’s leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange.
As a superconnector and gateway between East and West, HKEX facilitates the two-way flow of capital, ideas and dialogue between China and the rest of the world, through its pioneering Connect schemes, increasingly diversified product ecosystem and its deep, liquid and international markets.
HKEX is a purpose-led organisation which, across its business and through the work of HKEX Foundation, seeks to connect, promote and progress its markets and the communities it supports for the prosperity of all.
www.hkexgroup.com
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