HKEX(00388)2025-03-17 04:00Financial Performance - The group achieved a record revenue and other income of HKD 22.374 billion in 2024, representing a 9% increase compared to 2023[22]. - Operating expenses rose by 6% in 2024, driven by increased employee and IT costs, although some expenses related to the 2022 nickel market incident were offset[22]. - EBITDA for 2024 was HKD 16.281 billion, up 10% from 2023, with an EBITDA margin of 74%, an increase of 1 percentage point[23]. - Profit attributable to shareholders reached HKD 13.050 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year[24]. - Major business revenue increased by 9% in 2024, reaching HKD 20,559 million, driven by higher trading volumes in cash, derivatives, and commodities markets[26]. - Net investment income from company funds rose by 18% to HKD 1,748 million, primarily due to a decrease in valuation losses from unlisted equity investments[26]. - In Q4 2024, total revenue reached a record high of HKD 6,381 million, up 31% year-over-year[39]. - Q4 2024 shareholders' profit reached HKD 3,780 million, a 46% increase compared to Q4 2023[41]. - The total revenue and other income for the year reached a record high of 22.4 billion, up 9% from 2023[57]. - The board declared a total annual dividend of 9.26 per share, including a second interim dividend of 4.90 per share[58]. Market Developments - New product launches included the first batch of ETF options and the first virtual asset spot ETF in Asia[17]. - The company plans to open an office in Riyadh in 2025, expanding its market presence[17]. - The company continues to strengthen its interaction with international investors and issuers, enhancing its global market position[13]. - The company anticipates that geopolitical and macroeconomic trends will continue to impact global markets, but positive signs of economic recovery are emerging[13]. - The number of new IPOs in 2024 reached 71, raising a total of 88 billion, ranking fourth globally[56]. - The company announced a multi-year infrastructure optimization plan to enhance market capabilities[59]. - The company is actively working on optimizing its listing mechanisms and enhancing corporate governance standards[62]. - The company is focused on maintaining high standards of corporate governance and compliance with regulatory requirements[135]. Trading Activity - Average daily trading value of equity securities on the exchange surged by 29% to HKD 120 billion[27]. - Average daily trading value for Stock Connect (Shanghai and Shenzhen) increased by 39% to RMB 150.14 billion[27]. - Average daily trading value of equity securities in Q4 2024 soared by 113% to HKD 171.5 billion[44]. - Major business revenue rose 24% to 6.017 billion, driven by increased trading volumes in spot and derivative markets[49]. - The average daily turnover in the cash market reached HKD 131.8 billion, a 26% increase year-on-year, with a record high of HKD 620.7 billion on October 8, 2024[77][78]. - The derivatives market saw an average daily contract volume of 1.6 million, up 15% from the previous year[78]. - The average daily trading volume for ETPs (including ETFs and leveraged and inverse products) reached a record high of RMB 189 billion in 2024, up 35% from RMB 140 billion in 2023[185]. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - The company is committed to sustainable development, achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by the end of 2024[20]. - HKEX is set to implement mandatory emissions reporting for all LME registered aluminum brands by June 15, 2025, in accordance with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)[63]. - The company committed to donating HKD 86 million in 2024 to support various projects focused on financial education, inclusivity, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability[66]. - HKEX is expanding its initiatives to promote responsible supply chains in the metals industry, including ongoing support for projects addressing child labor in African mining[66]. - The introduction of climate-related disclosure regulations aligned with IFRS S2 positions Hong Kong as a leader in sustainability reporting[87]. - The total amount raised from new ESG-related bonds in 2024 was HKD 291 billion, indicating a strong market interest in sustainable finance[189]. Strategic Initiatives - The company announced a multi-year platform development plan to enhance market attractiveness and competitiveness[13]. - The company plans to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2024 and has submitted science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets for verification[64]. - The company is focused on optimizing infrastructure and product ecosystems to enhance market liquidity and resilience against macroeconomic fluctuations[98]. - The company plans to invest $200 million in digital transformation initiatives over the next two years[119]. - A strategic acquisition of a fintech startup was announced, aimed at integrating advanced analytics capabilities into existing services[115]. Governance and Management - Independent non-executive director Liang Baihan has served on the board since April 26, 2017, with a term extended until April 26, 2026[126]. - The company has a strong governance structure with members serving on various committees including audit, risk, and investment committees[126][128][130]. - The board includes members with extensive experience in finance and risk management, enhancing the company's strategic decision-making capabilities[128][130]. - The board's diverse expertise supports the company's market expansion and product development strategies[130][135]. - The company is committed to continuous improvement in its operational efficiency and risk management practices[135].