This article was originally published in the Brand Finance China 500 2026.
HKEX’s brand transformation drives stronger global financial relevance
2025 marked a breakout year for HKEX, as it ranked first globally in IPO fundraising, with 119 companies listed, including four among the world’s top 10 IPOs. Building on this momentum, HKEX entered the first quarter of 2026 with strengthened brand appeal and a strong recovery in the IPO market. Total funds raised reached approximately USD14.1 billion, representing a nearly 489% year-on-year increase, placing HKEX at the top of the global IPO rankings. This strong performance was supported by ongoing improvements in market structure and continued optimisation of its listing ecosystem.
In the Brand Finance China 500 2026 report, HKEX recorded a brand value of USD2.6 billion, ranking 120th, reflecting a steady 6% year-on-year increase. This performance highlights HKEX’s brand resilience amid global capital market volatility, while reinforcing its strategic position as a “super connector” between China and global markets.
2025 also marked the 25th anniversary of HKEX’s listing. Through a series of initiatives such as the “Gong Tour” celebrations, the Group strengthened its identity as a flagship financial brand for Hong Kong. At the same time, HKEX expanded its international footprint with the opening of a new office in Riyadh and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. These moves further supported its ability to attract issuers from Kazakhstan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
In March 2026, HKEX further deepened its regional engagement by launching a co-branded index with Bursa Malaysia and signing an MoU, strengthening its presence across ASEAN markets.
Through acquiring a 20% stake in OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited, HKEX deepened its strategic collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, reinforcing its role as a global offshore RMB hub and risk management centre. The London Metal Exchange established approved delivery warehouses in Hong Kong, closing a key gap in the commodities segment and enabling more comprehensive asset class coverage within HKEX’s ecosystem.
HKEX’s brand value growth reflects its commitment to proactive reform amid a complex geopolitical landscape. By advancing its vision of building the market of the future, HKEX has delivered strong business performance while evolving its brand from a regional exchange into a leading global multi-asset platform. Looking ahead, with continued optimisation of connectivity mechanisms and deeper technological enablement, HKEX is well-positioned to further strengthen its brand influence and support the development of global capital markets.
