When launched, HKEX IAP will enable listed issuers and their designated users to:

• make case related submissions (such as issuer enquiries, waiver applications, pre-vetting documents, size tests, listing applications, trading arrangements, and trading halt/resumption requests), and receive and respond to HKEX’s enquiries and comments;
• update its corporate events, positions and other information, including board/ shareholders meetings, blackout periods, share capital movements, distribution of dividends, changes of board members and committees, senior management, company secretary, auditor, share registrar and its address, principal place of business and corporate website, etc.; and
• file all information required by the existing e-Forms. No separate e-Forms will need to be submitted by the issuers. 

Listed issuers’ authorised representatives, relevant staff, professional advisers, financial printers and any other market participants designated by the listed issuers are expected to use HKEX IAP.

We will publish further guidance materials (including user manual, training videos, etc.) in the second half of 2025 for users to familiarise with HKEX IAP and its functionalities.

No, but ESS will no longer support submission of e-Forms (see also Q2 above).  

HKEX IAP will be the primary portal for listed issuers and their advisers for Rule compliance related matters, and is complementary with ESS.  HKEX IAP will provide direct connection to ESS for publication of announcements and circulars (such as for notifiable and/or connected transactions).

The launch of HKEX IAP is covered by the Exchange’s authority to set up electronic submission channels under MB Rule 2.07(3A) / GEM Rule 2.21, and no major Rule amendments are necessary. That said, we will make housekeeping Rule amendments to streamline the listing application process through HKEX IAP.  For details, please refer to section 7 of the Information Paper.