Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced in his budget address on Wednesday a package of measures aimed at strengthening the city’s capital market and listing regime, including proposed rule changes for companies with weighted voting rights, overseas secondary listings, biotechnology and specialist technology firms, as well as measures aimed at attracting aerospace enterprises.
A market consultation on the listing rule revisions will be launched in the first quarter, as authorities seek to enhance the initial public offering process and improve trading efficiency amid intensifying global competition for listings.
Chan said he urges the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Ltd (HKEX) — the city’s stock exchange operator — to review its listing requirements to pave the way for aerospace enterprises to list in Hong Kong, underscoring efforts to align capital market development with strategic innovation priorities.
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The latest initiatives come on the heels of the financial center regaining its crown as the world’s top fundraising venue in 2025. The city welcomed 24 new listings this year, with nearly 500 more lining up for their IPOs in the city, HKEX said on Friday.
In a sign of Hong Kong’s determination to become the go-to destination for family offices and funds, Chan proposed measures to classify digital assets, precious metals and specified commodities as qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions to enhance the city’s tax regime. An amendment bill will be introduced in the first half of the year.
