HKEX(HK:00388) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-04 05:00Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is implementing significant reforms to its IPO pricing mechanism, effective August 4, aimed at enhancing market competitiveness and adapting to international standards [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in IPO Mechanism - The new rules require at least 40% of shares to be allocated to the book-building portion of the IPO, down from the previously suggested 50% [4][5]. - The maximum percentage for public subscription allocation can now be adjusted up to 35%, increasing from the previous limit of 20% [5]. - A new mechanism allows issuers to set a fixed allocation for public subscription between 10% and 60%, without a reallocation mechanism [5]. Group 2: Public Holding Requirements - The HKEX is consulting on adjusting the public holding requirement, which currently mandates a minimum of 25% public float, to a more flexible tiered system based on market capitalization [6][7]. - For companies with a market value of HKD 1 billion, the public holding requirement can be as low as 10% [7]. - The initial free float requirement for "A+H" issuers has been reduced from 10% of H shares to 5% of the total A+H shares [7]. Group 3: Market Context and Rationale - The reforms are designed to attract international issuers and investors, enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the IPO process [3][4]. - The changes reflect the increasing participation of institutional investors in the Hong Kong market, which now accounts for nearly 90% of trading [5]. - The adjustments aim to balance the interests of institutional and retail investors in the IPO allocation process [5].