HKEx is the holding company of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Futures Exchange Limited and Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited. It brings together the market organisations which have transformed Hong Kong's financial services industry from a domestically focused market to become a central market place in Asia attracting investment funds from all over the world.
HKEx was listed in June 2000 following the integration of Hong Kong's securities and derivatives markets. As a market-driven organisation, answerable to its shareholders, HKEx competes vigorously for opportunities in the region and around the world.
HKEx's operations are organised into focused units, directly supervised and controlled by management and the board of directors. The board, the highest decision-making body, determines HKEx’s objectives, missions, strategies, policies and business plan and monitors their implementation by management.
In its role as the operator and frontline regulator of the central securities and derivatives marketplace in Hong Kong, HKEx regulates listed issuers; administers listing, trading and clearing rules; and provides services, primarily at the wholesale level, to customers of the exchanges and clearing houses, including issuers and intermediaries – investment banks or sponsors, securities and derivatives brokers, custodian banks and information vendors – who service the investor directly. These services comprise trading, clearing and settlement, depository and nominee services, and information services.
Market regulation
HKEx is committed to performing its public duty to ensure orderly and fair markets and that risks are managed prudently, consistent with the public interest and in particular, the interests of the investing public. It is also committed to working closely with the principal regulator of Hong Kong's securities and derivatives markets, the Securities and Futures Commission, an independent statutory body responsible for administering the laws governing the markets, and facilitating and encouraging the development of the markets.
Summary of vision and outlook
As a commercial entity with public duties, responsible for the operation of the central marketplace, HKEx must carefully consider the broader interests of the market. In addition, its initiatives should reinforce Hong Kong's standing as an international financial centre and support the country's further development.
HKEx's mission statement for 2013-2015: We aim to be the global exchange of choice for our China clients and our international clients seeking China exposure.
