HSBC expands data partnerships to back Hong Kong SMEs expanding overseas
HSBC today announced it is expanding its network of trade, cargo and corporate data providers through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Commercial Data Interchange (CDI), supporting its ambition to make banking more responsive to Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they expand across markets.
In the first nine months of 2026, the amount of money raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong more than doubled, reaching over HK$388 billion (US$49.4 billion), according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. This surpasses the total amount raised in all of the previous year. Clara Chan Ka-chai, CEO of the government-owned Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), revealed that over 30 of its portfolio firms are preparing to apply for Hong Kong listings this year.
Paul Chan also reported a 6.4 per cent year-on-year growth in the average daily turnover of Hong Kong’s stock market from January to September, amounting to HK$272.9 billion. Despite global concerns over long-term US bond yields reaching a 24-year high, dampening investor sentiment, Paul Chan expressed confidence in the broader trend of global asset allocation and supply chain restructuring.
He highlighted the significant increase in capital from the Middle East in Hong Kong's new listings, with investments spanning property, technology, logistics, and capital markets. Clara Chan noted that 11 out of HKIC's over 200 portfolio companies have already listed in Hong Kong, with more than 30 planning to do so this year. Established in 2022 to manage HK$62 billion in government funds, HKIC aims to achieve reasonable investment returns while promoting the growth of strategically important companies.
The company recorded HK$6.46 billion in investment income in 2025, a 175 per cent year-on-year increase, representing a net internal rate of return (IRR) of 14 per cent. Clara Chan emphasized that the focus is on the socioeconomic benefits and long-term technological advancements of the portfolio companies rather than just financial returns.
HKIC is also planning to launch a venture capital fund denominated in offshore yuan to expand the use of Chinese currency and solidify its status as a global offshore yuan hub. Clara Chan expressed confidence in the project, noting that HKIC's guidance of market funds to targeted areas could leverage HK$8 of private sector investment for every Hong Kong dollar invested.
She also announced the upcoming formal launch of an internship programme, with summer and winter cohorts each year, hiring about 10 students per batch, prioritising local university students.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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