Hong Kong Capital Markets Update – Issue 4, August 2024

On 16 August 2024, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Exchange”) published a consultation paper (“Consultation”) seeking market feedback on the proposals to further expand the paperless listing regime and other rule amendments. The deadline for submission is 18 October 2024.

Over the past few years, the Exchange has introduced various initiatives to digitalise and modernise listing processes, which have helped improve efficiency and reduce the market’s impact on the environment through the reduction of the use of paper.

In this Consultation, the Exchange proposed the following changes to further expand the paperless listing regime:

1. Electronic instructions from securities holders to issuers 
2. Real-time electronic payment of corporate action proceeds
3. Electronic subscription monies
4. Abolition of mixed media offers
5. Hybrid general meeting & e-voting
6. Web accessibility of issuer’s corporate communications