The stock exchange is to conduct an investigation into possible breaches of its ethical code by former vice-chairman Chen Po-sum following her acquittal on bribery charges and will also review rules governing the conduct of council members.
The exchange's highest decision-making body met yesterday to discuss Ms Chen's case and approved the establishment of a sub-committee to consider possible action against her.
Ms Chen was acquitted last month of eight bribery charges relating to the sale of stock exchange seats for which she was paid commissions of $1.6 million.
Ms Chen failed to inform the ruling council she had received the commissions even though she was convenor of the membership committee, later leading senior exchange members to allege there was a conflict of interest.
Ms Chen - known as the Empress Dowager of the stock exchange - made a brief appearance at the meeting, her first since the charges were laid, but left the meeting hurriedly when her case was discussed.
'The sub-committee will consider whether there has been a breach of the guidelines for members of the council,' exchange chairman Edgar Cheng Wai-kin said.
If there were breaches, the sub-committee would investigate them, hear the case and make its recommendations, he said.