Group 1 - The Hong Kong government is focusing on enhancing its asset and wealth management sector, with plans to expand the "Cross-Border Wealth Management Connect" program to increase the range of products and participants [1][3] - Global investors are increasingly recognizing the need for diversified asset allocation, particularly in the Chinese market, leading to a surge in investment activities in Hong Kong [1][2] - The Hong Kong stock market has shown significant growth, with the Hang Seng Index rising 18% last year and nearly 30% this year, alongside substantial increases in IPO fundraising and bank deposits [1][2] Group 2 - The total assets managed in Hong Kong increased by 13% year-on-year to over 35 trillion HKD, with net inflows reaching 705 billion HKD, reflecting a strong growth in asset management business [2] - The Greater Bay Area, with a population exceeding 87 million and a GDP over 14.5 trillion RMB, is expected to be a key growth driver for wealth management services [2] - The Hong Kong government is implementing various measures, including tax incentives, to attract family offices and enhance its position as an international hub for wealth management [3] Group 3 - The private equity and venture capital ecosystem in Hong Kong is robust, managing nearly 230 billion USD, making it the second-largest in Asia after mainland China [4] - Hong Kong is cautiously promoting the opening of more private funds to retail investors, which will diversify their investment options and support industry development [4]

Core Viewpoint - The "Wealth Management Expo 2025" held in Hong Kong focused on driving new economic engines and leading new trends amidst global economic uncertainties and increasing protectionism [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Environment - Hong Kong maintains its status as a free port with a robust financial system, allowing for free capital movement, which reassures international investors [3]. - The family office sector in Hong Kong is expected to grow from 2,700 to 3,000 firms, indicating a thriving wealth management landscape [3]. - The asset management industry in Hong Kong is projected to manage over $4 trillion, with expectations to become the world's leading cross-border asset management center within two to three years [3]. Group 2: Investment Products and Innovations - The government plans to collaborate with financial regulators and the industry to promote innovation in investment products, such as Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs), which currently number over 210 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [4]. - ETPs cover a diverse range of assets, including securities, derivatives, and digital assets, accounting for over 15% of total market turnover [4]. Group 3: Offshore RMB Business - Hong Kong handles approximately 80% of global offshore RMB transactions, making it a key player in the offshore RMB market and dim sum bond market [6]. - Efforts are underway to enhance Hong Kong's position as a global offshore RMB business hub through improved financial infrastructure and increased RMB liquidity [6]. - Currently, 24 stocks on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can be traded using offshore RMB, with plans to expand RMB trading options [6].

Group 1 - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported record high revenue and net profit for Q1, with revenue at HKD 68.57 billion, a 32% year-on-year increase, and net profit at HKD 40.77 billion, a 37% increase [1][2] - Average daily trading value for Hong Kong stocks reached a new high of HKD 242.7 billion, while average daily trading value for Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) was HKD 39.4 billion [2] - The bond connect northbound trading also saw record average daily trading value, along with the settlement amount for the over-the-counter clearing company [2] Group 2 - The IPO activity in Q1 2025 continued the strong momentum from H2 2024, with 17 companies listed and total fundraising amounting to HKD 18.7 billion, nearly four times that of Q1 2024 [4] - HKEX is ranked among the top five global markets for new listings [4] Group 3 - During the annual general meeting, shareholders questioned the capability of PwC to continue as the external auditor, with a voting approval rate of 86.52% for their reappointment, lower than other resolutions which exceeded 90% [9] - HKEX stated that they will consider changing auditors in 2026, but will not do so in 2025 [9]

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported record highs in average daily trading amounts for the first quarter, with figures reaching 2,427 billion HKD for total trading, 1,099 billion HKD for Stock Connect, and 394 billion HKD for Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) [1] Group 1 - The average daily trading amount for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange reached a new high of 2,427 billion HKD [1] - The average daily trading amount for Stock Connect also hit a record high of 1,099 billion HKD [1] - The average daily trading amount for ETPs reached a new peak of 394 billion HKD [1]