The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), one of the world’s leading international exchange groups, has officially opened its new office in London. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in HKEX’s ongoing mission to expand its global footprint and strengthen ties between European investors and Asia’s most dynamic capital markets.
A Strategic Expansion into Europe’s Financial Heart
On the evening of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in London time, HKEX Group Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Aguzin welcomed distinguished guests from the UK’s financial and business communities at a celebratory reception. The event featured a traditional gong-striking ceremony, symbolizing the official launch of the London office and underscoring HKEX’s commitment to global market connectivity.
The new office reinforces HKEX’s presence in the United Kingdom and serves as a bridge connecting European clients to Asia’s diverse, liquid, and internationally integrated capital markets. With on-the-ground support, HKEX aims to help investors better understand Hong Kong’s extensive financial ecosystem—from equities and derivatives to innovative listing frameworks—and capitalize on the region’s sustained economic growth.
👉 Discover how global investors are accessing Asian markets through seamless financial gateways.
Strengthening Global Market Access
Nicolas Aguzin emphasized the strategic importance of the London launch:
“The opening of our London office is another key milestone for HKEX, reflecting our ongoing commitment to serving global clients. Alongside our recently launched New York office, this expansion enhances access to investment opportunities, delivers deeper market insights, and strengthens connectivity across time zones. With operations now spanning the world’s three major financial hubs, HKEX is better positioned than ever to connect capital with opportunity—reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as the world’s premier ‘super connector.’”
Aguzin also highlighted HKEX’s long-standing relationship with London through its ownership of the London Metal Exchange (LME), noting that the new office will provide enhanced support for its growing European client base. He expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaboration with investors, corporations, and risk managers across Europe to drive long-term value creation.
Why London? Tapping into Europe’s Premier Financial Hub
London stands as one of the world’s top financial centers, home to Europe’s largest pool of institutional capital and a vibrant ecosystem of hedge funds, private equity firms, fintech innovators, and global asset managers. Its reputation for innovation and international talent makes it an ideal location for HKEX’s European outreach.
David Chin, Co-Head of International at HKEX, explained:
“London’s deep financial expertise and global networks make it a natural choice for our European base. Being physically present allows us to engage more closely with clients, respond faster to their needs, and guide them in capturing Asia’s growth potential—especially through our expanding suite of互联互通 (interconnectivity) programs.”
The London office will focus on promoting HKEX’s international equity offerings, expanding awareness of mutual market access programs like Stock Connect and Bond Connect, and supporting demand for its rapidly growing derivatives portfolio.
Expanding a Global Network
The new London office complements HKEX’s existing international presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and now New York. Together, these offices form a cohesive global network designed to serve clients across Asia, North America, and Europe—ensuring timely support and localized market intelligence.
This expansion aligns with HKEX’s broader strategy to position Hong Kong as a two-way gateway between East and West, facilitating not only inbound investment into China but also enabling Chinese companies to access global capital.
👉 Explore how next-generation financial infrastructure is reshaping cross-border investment.
Key Facts: Hong Kong’s Role in Global Finance
- International investors account for approximately 50% of trading volume in Hong Kong’s securities market
- Hong Kong ranks among the top global listing hubs for new economy and biotech companies
- The newly introduced specialty tech company listing regime opens capital markets to next-generation innovators in AI, fintech, and green technology
- Hong Kong has consistently ranked among the world’s top five IPO markets over the past decade
- HKEX offers products linked to assets across Greater China, Asia-Pacific, and beyond—including futures and options on the Hang Seng Index and MSCI indices
- Through互联互通 mechanisms, international investors can access mainland China’s stock, bond, ETF, and RMB interest rate swap markets
- Over 70% of international holdings in mainland A-shares are made via the Stock Connect program
- Qualified international companies listed in Hong Kong are now included in Southbound trading under Stock Connect, giving them direct access to mainland China’s vast investor base
- Swap Connect, the latest addition to HKEX’s interconnectivity suite, is the world’s first cross-border derivatives linkage—enabling global participants to enter China’s interbank interest rate swap market seamlessly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of HKEX’s new London office?
A: The London office strengthens HKEX’s presence in Europe, providing local support to investors and institutions seeking exposure to Asian markets through Hong Kong’s interconnected financial platforms.
Q: How does HKEX connect global investors with China?
A: Through innovative programs like Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and Swap Connect, which allow international investors to access Chinese equities, bonds, ETFs, and derivatives without direct mainland licensing.
Q: Can European companies benefit from listing in Hong Kong?
A: Yes. International firms listed in Hong Kong can now be included in Southbound Stock Connect, giving them visibility and access to over 190 million mainland retail investors.
Q: What role does the London Metal Exchange (LME) play in this expansion?
A: As part of the HKEX group, the LME provides a strong foundation for engagement with London’s commodities and derivatives community—enhancing credibility and relationships in the European market.
Q: Is Hong Kong still a key financial gateway between East and West?
A: Absolutely. With its rule of law, free-flowing capital, bilingual workforce, and proven interconnectivity frameworks, Hong Kong remains a trusted bridge for global capital entering Asia—and vice versa.
Q: How does HKEX support innovation in capital markets?
A: Through progressive reforms like the specialty tech listing regime and ESG-focused products, HKEX continues to evolve its ecosystem to support cutting-edge industries and sustainable finance.
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About HKEX
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly traded company (Stock Code: 388) and a leading global exchange group. It operates a comprehensive range of financial market infrastructure across equities, derivatives, commodities (including the London Metal Exchange), fixed income, and more.
As a mission-driven organization, HKEX connects East and West by enabling two-way capital flows between China and the world. Through innovative products, expanding互联互通 mechanisms, and a highly liquid international market environment, HKEX fosters dialogue, drives financial inclusion, and contributes to shared prosperity—supported by both its business operations and the HKEX Foundation.
With its new London office now operational, HKEX continues building the future of global finance—connected, inclusive, and forward-looking.