2025-08-20 14:49Summary of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the performance and strategic developments of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in the financial market, particularly in the context of the cash and derivatives markets, IPO activities, and community investments. Key Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, HKEX reported a total revenue and other income growth of 33%, reaching HKD 14.1 billion, with a net profit of USD 8.5 billion and earnings per share of USD 6.74, both reflecting a 39% year-on-year increase [3][9][10]. - The board declared an interim dividend of USD 6 per share, a 38% increase from the previous year, representing 90% of the group's profit [3][9]. - Daily average trading volume in the cash market reached USD 240 billion, more than double that of the same period last year [2][3]. IPO and Fundraising Achievements - HKEX became the world's largest IPO market in the first half of 2025, with 44 companies going public and raising over HKD 109 billion, marking the best half-year performance since 2021 [2][6][7]. - Follow-on fundraising totaled over HKD 240 billion, also the highest since 2021 [7]. Market Performance Highlights - The cash market showed strong performance with historical trading volume records; ETP market daily average trading volume increased by 163% [5]. - Derivatives market recorded a daily average trading volume of 1.7 million contracts, an 11% year-on-year increase, with USD/CNY futures seeing a 44% increase in daily average trading volume [2][11]. Strategic Developments - HKEX signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Clearing Company to support the development of Hong Kong's fintech ecosystem [4]. - Initiatives included launching a technology enterprise channel, approval for Hong Kong as a new ENE storage location, and the initiation of a 30-year swap trading under the Northbound Swap Connect [4]. Community Investment Initiatives - To celebrate its 25th anniversary, HKEX committed to investing at least HKD 25 million in a flagship charity program focused on supporting caregivers in Hong Kong [8]. Future Outlook - Despite potential impacts from macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, HKEX maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for the coming year, driven by positive prospects for the Chinese economy and advancements in AI and innovation [9]. Southbound Trading Activity - Southbound average daily trading volume reached HKD 111 billion, tripling from the previous year and accounting for nearly 23% of cash market trading volume [10][14]. Derivatives and Commodity Market Performance - The derivatives market saw robust growth, with significant increases in trading volumes, particularly in USD/CNY futures [11]. Digital Asset Ecosystem Development - HKEX is focusing on the development of the digital asset ecosystem, allowing ETFs linked to cryptocurrencies to be listed and exploring the potential use cases for stablecoins [25][26]. Conclusion - HKEX's strategic initiatives and strong financial performance position it well as a leading international financial center, with ongoing efforts to enhance market liquidity and community engagement while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets.