Hong Kong moves closer to dual-share listings as SFC backs consultation on third board
The long-standing ban on firms whose shares carry unequal rights is often cited as a barrier to lucrative listings, particularly by technology firms
Hong Kong has edged closer to allowing companies with a dual-class share structure to list on the stock exchange after the regulator backed plans for a public consultation.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said on Thursday it supported the local bourse’s proposed consultation exercise this quarter to gauge opinion on creating a third board aimed at technology start-ups and ‘new economy’ firms.
There are many new economy companies and start-ups that need to raise funds. Hong Kong needs to change its listing rules to tailor to their needs
The third board would for the first time permit dual-share listings, which afford one class of shareholder more rights than others. Their long-standing ban in Hong Kong is widely seen as a barrier to potentially lucrative initial public offerings, particularly by technology firms.
The SFC’s decision to back the move represents a U-turn by the regulator, which two years ago rejected a stock exchange plan to consult the market on introducing the dual-share structure as it considered the proposal at the time did not carry sufficient investor protection measures.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing chief executive Charles Li Xiaojia in January suggested launching a new third board with more relaxed listing rules than the main board and the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM).
“The SFC supports the consultation to allow the public to share their views on the dual-shareholding structure,” said Carlson Tong Ka-shing, chairman of the SFC at a media lunch on Thursday. “The SFC will be open minded to listen to the market comments. However, the regulator will only agree with any listing rule changes if it would develop the market and provide sufficient investor protection measures.”