Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing has revealed it is prioritising a plan to extend trading hours in its derivatives market. A spokesperson explained the move is part of efforts to strengthen competitiveness as an international financial centre, and that implementation will require consultation with market participants and regulatory approval. The review of cash market trading hours is said to be at a very early stage. According to a Bloomberg report, HKEX is scrutinising proposals including bringing forward the stock trading start time by 30 minutes and scrapping the lunch break, and has communicated reform ideas to major brokerages and trading firms. The reform could affect the southbound Stock Connect scheme through which mainland Chinese investors access the Hong Kong stock market, with southbound flows accounting for about 23 percent of Hong Kong stock market turnover in 2025.
Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing LtdHKEX prioritises extending derivatives trading hours to boost competitiveness, requiring regulatory approval.