Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited's Charles Li: HKEX will study a 24-hour trading mechanism

At the mid-year performance conference of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Group, Laura Cha, stated: "The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has always adhered to the principle of strategic investment in maintaining global competitiveness. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will not be stingy in terms of capital expenditure, and we will continue to increase investment in data platform optimization, trading and settlement system upgrades, and other areas." On site, Laura Cha addressed the hot topic of extending trading hours. "Regarding the issue of extending trading hours, we have taken note that Nasdaq plans to implement a 24/5 trading mechanism in the second half of 2026. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will adhere to a cautious and gradual principle, conduct research based on international experience, and consider the actual situation of the local market. This process will be gradually improved once the trading system is upgraded, risk management systems are improved, and regulatory frameworks are mature." She said. Laura Cha also stated that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is actively discussing with market participants the shortening of the settlement cycle in the spot market. By the end of this year, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's technical system will be able to support a T+1 settlement cycle, but when the market will implement T+1 settlement will require consultation with various market participants.