Xu Zhengyu: The demand and importance of maintaining transactions in adverse weather conditions are increasing.
In a written response to a legislator's question, Xu Zhengyu, Director of the Financial Affairs and Treasury Bureau, pointed out that major stock markets around the world, including the mainland's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, as well as markets in Japan and Singapore, are able to maintain trading even in adverse weather conditions. In order to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market, develop more diversified products, and promote the Hong Kong securities market to overseas markets and sources of capital, the demand and importance of allowing market participants to trade as usual during typhoons or heavy rain will continue to grow. The government understands the need to implement trading arrangements in adverse weather conditions, which will require addressing various technical issues and providing supporting assistance, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders including securities firms, banking systems, and index compilation companies.
The Director of Financial Affairs and Treasury Bureau, Mr. Hui Chung-yu, stated in a written reply to a legislator's question that major stock markets around the world, including the mainland's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, as well as markets in Japan and Singapore, are able to maintain trading operations in adverse weather conditions. In order to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market, develop more diversified products, and promote the Hong Kong securities market to overseas markets and sources of capital, the demand and importance of allowing market participants to trade as usual during typhoons or heavy rain will continue to grow. The government understands the need to implement trading arrangements in adverse weather conditions, which will require addressing various technical issues and providing supporting assistance, with the cooperation of stakeholders including securities firms, the banking system, and index providers. In this regard, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and regulatory authorities have previously communicated with industry representatives on the operational models under adverse weather conditions, in order to fully understand the actual situation in the relevant sectors and coordinate different operational needs. HKEX will conduct a public consultation on the proposed models and arrangements for the continued operation of the stock market during adverse weather conditions within November this year. Details, including trading and settlement arrangements, stock registration arrangements, banking services, payment arrangements, and other necessary cooperation, will be detailed in the consultation document and public opinions will be sought.