Hong Kong Exchange posts record profit as AI, tech IPO boom drives fundraising

Hong Kong’s stock exchange operator reported a record first-half profit on Wednesday, buoyed by a sharp increase in initial public offerings from technology and artificial intelligence companies and stronger trading activity across its markets, AFP reported.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) said attributable profit rose 24% year on year to HK$10.6 billion ($1.35 billion) in the first six months of 2026. Core revenue increased 19% to HK$15.5 billion, with both figures reaching new half-year records, AFP said.

The performance comes as Hong Kong’s IPO market has experienced a strong revival, particularly among companies operating in artificial intelligence, technology and media and telecommunications. According to AFP, HKEX hosted 87 new listings during the first half of the year, which raised a combined HK$212.4 billion ($27 billion), almost double the amount raised during the same period a year earlier.


Technology and AI Lead IPO Revival

The resurgence in listings reflects growing demand from technology companies seeking access to international capital markets. A number of Chinese artificial intelligence and technology firms have chosen Hong Kong for fundraising this year as Beijing encourages greater use of capital markets to support the development of strategic industries.

The strong IPO pipeline has also helped reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a major fundraising hub for Chinese companies seeking international investors.

Chinese data-centre equipment supplier Zhongji Innolight was among the biggest recent examples. The company raised about $6.8 billion in its debut last month, marking Hong Kong’s largest public offering in seven years, AFP reported.

Accounting firms KPMG and PwC have estimated that Hong Kong’s IPO market had raised about HK$210 billion by the end of June, making it the strongest first-half performance in five years.

Trading Activity Hits Records

HKEX’s strong results extended beyond the primary market. Trading volumes across cash equities, derivatives and commodities reached record levels during the first half, contributing to the operator’s higher revenue.

The exchange also recorded record activity across its Stock Connect programmes, which link Hong Kong with mainland Chinese markets and provide international investors with greater access to Chinese equities.

The stronger activity highlights renewed participation from both mainland Chinese and overseas investors despite continued uncertainty surrounding the global economic and geopolitical environment, AFP reported.

Leadership and Outlook

HKEX also confirmed that Chief Executive Bonnie Chan’s contract has been renewed for another three years through February 2030. Chan has led the exchange during a period in which Hong Kong has sought to strengthen its role as a gateway between mainland China and international capital, AFP said.

Chairman Carlson Tong said the exchange had maintained its strategic progress despite an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop and shifting geopolitical conditions.

The renewed investor interest in Hong Kong also comes as global investors increasingly look toward Asian markets for diversification and longer-term capital allocation.

With technology and AI companies continuing to tap Hong Kong’s markets, the exchange is positioned to benefit if the IPO pipeline remains strong in the second half of 2026. However, sustained market activity will remain dependent on investor sentiment, global liquidity conditions and the broader economic outlook.