Market UpdatesMar 02, 20263 Min

Hong Kong Exchange Reports Record Revenue, Profit For Second Straight Year

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which operates the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKG), reported record revenue and profit for the second consecutive year in 2025. This was attributed to an increase in trading and clearing fees due to unprecedented volumes in cash, derivatives and commodities markets, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report.

HKEX Posts Record Profit For 2025

Net profit of HKEX jumped 36% to HK$17.75 billion (US$2.28 billion), or HK$14.05 per share, in 2025, from HK$13 billion in 2024. This also beat market estimates of HK$17.44 billion.

The exchange also reported a 15% increase in fourth-quarter net profit to HK$4.34 billion, from HK$3.78 billion a year ago, beating market estimates of HK$3.8 billion.

The results were driven by a big increase in daily stock turnover, which almost doubled to HK$249.8 billion in 2025. This helped boost trading fee income by 80% to HK$6.17 billion and clearing fees by 58% to HK$5.71 billion, as per its filing, reported SCMP.

HKEX also implemented changes to encourage mainland Chinese companies to list on the exchange. This helped boost listing fees by 9% to HK$964 million.

The exchange also declared a second interim dividend of HK$6.52 per share, up 33% from last year. Combined with the first interim dividend, the full-year payout reached HK$12.52 per share, which is a 35% increase. The dividend payout ratio was maintained at 90%, according to China Daily.

Why It Matters

HKEX’s strong 2025 performance highlights Hong Kong’s continued appeal as a top offshore listing venue for Chinese companies, even amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. The exchange reported a strong listing pipeline, with more than 400 active applications, signalling sustained investor interest, according to Reuters.

“HKEX has reinforced its role as a global ‘super-connector,’ regaining its position as a leading IPO hub while setting new records in trading and financial performance,” chief executive officer Bonnie Chan Yi-ting said on Thursday, February 26, the China Daily report added.

Chan said that she remains optimistic about the year ahead. She added that global investors are increasingly seeking diversification and risk-management opportunities in Asian, particularly Chinese, assets amid ongoing geopolitical and market uncertainty.

HKEX’s strong performance is significant for investors, underscoring the strategic importance of the Hong Kong market. According to SCMP, the bourse is expected to roll out further reforms in the coming year. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his budget speech on Wednesday that the exchange will consult the market on shortening transaction settlement duration from the current two days to one day, moving to a T+1 cycle.