Financial and Business News

HKEX Regains “Top Global Listing Spot,” Equity Turnover Nearly Doubles in 2025

Thursday, 26/02/2026 | 14:38 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • The exchange’s IPOs raised about USD 287 billion in 2025, mostly from Chinese companies.
  • Net profit rose 36% to around USD 2.25 billion, in line with analysts’ forecasts.
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Trade Lobby
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Trade Lobby, Source: Wikipedia

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing reported a record net profit for 2025, driven by high trading activity and a surge in initial public offerings.

Net profit rose 36 per cent to HK$17.7 billion (around USD 2.25 billion), in line with analysts’ forecasts. The bourse said it would pay HK$12.52 per share (around USD 1.59) in total dividends, up 23 per cent from 2024. HKEX shares closed 0.4 per cent higher, reversing earlier losses, while the wider market fell 1.2 per cent.

Investing platforms such as eToro have begun offering access to HKEX-listed securities to expand access for retail investors. The rollout will include all HKEX-listed securities, including stocks, ETFs, and other exchange-traded products, with real-time pricing data.

IPOs Raise USD 287 Billion Globally

Chief executive Bonnie Chan said the exchange sees “cause for optimism in capital markets” as global investors respond to uncertainty by seeking diversification and risk management opportunities, particularly in Asian and Chinese assets.

Last year, the exchange regained the title of the "world’s top listing venue" for the first time since 2019. Initial public offerings and other share sales raised about USD 287 billion for 119 companies and their shareholders, according to Business Times Singapore.

Chinese companies accounted for roughly 70 per cent of the proceeds, with 85 mainland firms participating. Among the largest listings was a USD 5.3 billion share sale by battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.

Regulator Warns Over Substandard Applications

HKEX said it had a strong listing pipeline, with more than 400 active applications. The exchange and local securities regulator issued a warning about substandard applications, citing pressure on investment banks.

Trading volume, which contributes around 60 per cent of revenue, rose 93 per cent in 2025. Under the southbound Stock Connect scheme, volume jumped 151 per cent as mainland investors increased exposure to Hong Kong-listed shares.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing reported a record net profit for 2025, driven by high trading activity and a surge in initial public offerings.

Net profit rose 36 per cent to HK$17.7 billion (around USD 2.25 billion), in line with analysts’ forecasts. The bourse said it would pay HK$12.52 per share (around USD 1.59) in total dividends, up 23 per cent from 2024. HKEX shares closed 0.4 per cent higher, reversing earlier losses, while the wider market fell 1.2 per cent.

Investing platforms such as eToro have begun offering access to HKEX-listed securities to expand access for retail investors. The rollout will include all HKEX-listed securities, including stocks, ETFs, and other exchange-traded products, with real-time pricing data.

IPOs Raise USD 287 Billion Globally

Chief executive Bonnie Chan said the exchange sees “cause for optimism in capital markets” as global investors respond to uncertainty by seeking diversification and risk management opportunities, particularly in Asian and Chinese assets.

Last year, the exchange regained the title of the "world’s top listing venue" for the first time since 2019. Initial public offerings and other share sales raised about USD 287 billion for 119 companies and their shareholders, according to Business Times Singapore.

Chinese companies accounted for roughly 70 per cent of the proceeds, with 85 mainland firms participating. Among the largest listings was a USD 5.3 billion share sale by battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.

Regulator Warns Over Substandard Applications

HKEX said it had a strong listing pipeline, with more than 400 active applications. The exchange and local securities regulator issued a warning about substandard applications, citing pressure on investment banks.

Trading volume, which contributes around 60 per cent of revenue, rose 93 per cent in 2025. Under the southbound Stock Connect scheme, volume jumped 151 per cent as mainland investors increased exposure to Hong Kong-listed shares.

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equity
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hong kong
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.

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