The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Exchange), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), have signed a second addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Governing Listing Matters (Note 1) in view of HKEX’s plan to introduce the Fast Interface for New Issuance (FINI) in the second half of 2023 (Note 2).

The second addendum mainly sets out provisions that signify the acceptance and consent of the SFC and the Exchange to the receipt of information and documents in the form of electronic records as well as the use of electronic signatures on information and documents provided by issuers and their advisers and agents via FINI (Notes 3 and 4).

The second addendum becomes effective on 28 June 2023.

Notes:

1. The MoU was signed between the SFC and the Exchange on 28 January 2003 and the first addendum was signed on 9 March 2018. A copy of the second addendum is available on the websites of the SFC and HKEX.
2. See HKEX’s press release issued today on the introduction of FINI as the mandatory online platform for admission to trading and, where applicable, the collection and processing of specified information on subscription in and settlement for all new listings. The launch date will be announced by HKEX in due course.
3. The consent also covers the receipt of information and documents in the form of electronic records as well as the use of electronic signatures via any other electronic submission platform designated by the Exchange from time to time with the SFC’s prior agreement.
4. The second addendum also includes housekeeping amendments to remove obsolete references and provisions and update the terminology to conform with the Listing Rules and Securities and Futures Ordinance.

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