Hong Kong stock exchange posts record half-yearly profit

On August 19, Hong Kong’s stock exchange announced its biggest half-yearly profit ever, reaching HK$10.6 billion (S$1.6 billion) – a 24% increase from the same period in 2025. The impressive results were driven by a record surge in demand for initial public offerings (IPOs) from technology and artificial intelligence companies, according to the bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX).

The exchange welcomed 87 new listings in the first half of 2026, generating a total of HK$212.4 billion (S$34.6 billion) – a 94% year-on-year rise. Core revenue also jumped 19% to HK$15.5 billion, reflecting peak activity across cash, derivatives, and commodities markets. HKEX CEO Bonnie Chan credited the strong performance to "robust market sentiment, strong fund-raising demand from technology and AI-related companies, and active participation from both Chinese mainland and international investors."

The exchange’s trading activity across all markets hit record highs, underscoring the resilience and relevance of Hong Kong’s financial markets in the face of global uncertainty. HKEX announced that CEO Bonnie Chan’s contract has been extended for another three-year term until the end of February 2030. Chairman Carlson Tong emphasized the strategic importance of Hong Kong’s role in attracting capital from Asia, noting a growing trend of international investors diversifying portfolios into the region.

Chinese AI companies have been actively launching IPOs in Hong Kong this year, with the city’s technology sector raising about HK$210 billion in the first half of 2026, marking the strongest first-half result in five years.