HKEX(HK:00388) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2026-02-04 08:38Group 1 - The CEO of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), Charles Li, stated that there are currently over 400 companies waiting to go public, indicating strong demand for IPOs and a growing interest from global investors in diversifying their investments, thus alleviating concerns about a "backlog" in listings [1] - HKEX is expected to see a strong recovery in the IPO market by 2025, with an anticipated total of HKD 285.8 billion in IPO financing, regaining the top position globally [1] - As of January 30, 2026, there have been 459 applications for listings on the main board of HKEX, with 409 applications currently being processed, and 11 IPOs completed in the first three weeks of 2026, raising approximately USD 4 billion [2] Group 2 - International investors, including long-term funds and sovereign wealth funds, are actively seeking to invest in markets outside the U.S., with many expressing interest in the Hong Kong IPO market and requesting more diversified products beyond equities [2] - A report from Goldman Sachs indicated that about two-thirds of investors participating in Hong Kong IPOs are from foreign sources, with retirement and sovereign funds increasing their subscription rates [2] - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has raised concerns about the quality of listing application materials due to the surge in applications, leading to a directive for sponsors to conduct internal reviews and the suspension of 16 listing applications [2][4]