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The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong have engaged with certain companies concerning the potential return of overseas-listed Chinese firms, the Securities Times reported on Tuesday.

In response to latest global changes, the HKEX and the SFC have made preparations in accordance with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's direction and have contacted some of the relevant enterprises. For overseas-listed Chinese enterprise that have the willingness to return, they will be provided with appropriate guidance and assistance for Hong Kong listings, said the report.

In order to align with current economic trends and business needs, and attract more enterprises from different regions to list in Hong Kong, the SFC and HKEX are conducting a comprehensive review of the listing regime, which includes reviewing the listing requirements and continuing obligations after listing as well as improving the vetting and approval process. The review will further facilitate the listing of companies in emerging industries and overseas companies in Hong Kong, according to the report. 

A spokesperson from Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said that Chinese companies listed overseas have consistently expressed intentions to return to Hong Kong. In response, the HKEX has implemented a series of listing regime reforms, including comprehensive reviews of listing mechanisms to address the financing needs of Chinese companies listed abroad and other overseas issuers, thereby facilitating their listing in Hong Kong, according to the Securities Times.

As of March 2025, a total of 33 overseas-listed Chinese issuers have returned to Hong Kong through listing reforms initiated in 2018, according to the report.

In response to the volatility of the global market stemming from the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs by the US, the spokesperson said that the SFC has not identified any behavior that might trigger systemic risks or seriously affect financial stability. There has been no significant increase in positions in the stock market and equity derivatives market, nor has there been any concentration or accumulation of short positions.

Currently, the HKSAR Government and relevant regulators have established a real-time surveillance mechanism to monitor market changes, including the risks that may emerge, particularly at times of fragile market confidence. In the event of market anomalies, there are adequate and diversified tools to guard against possible systemic risks. Hong Kong will maintain high vigilance and preparedness, strengthening monitoring, forecasting and response strategies as developments unfold, the report stated.

Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund, told the Global Times on Tuesday that currently, China's capital market, propelled by the country's technological advancements, has recently attracted increased foreign capital inflows.

Furthermore, compared with overseas markets, the valuation of A shares and Hong Kong stocks remain relatively low, Yang noted, indicating that China's capital market possesses significant potential for growth.

In a blog post on April 13, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the city's readiness to proactively attract high-quality issuers from around the world to list in Hong Kong.

"The city already has a regulatory framework that facilitates dual or secondary listings for overseas listed companies. In light of recent global developments, I have instructed the SFC and HKEX to be fully prepared for the potential return of Chinese Concept Stocks listed abroad," Chan wrote.

"HKEX will enhance its outreach and promotion in the ASEAN and Middle East markets to attract more quality enterprises from these regions to list in Hong Kong, while drawing in additional international capital and further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a global financial center," Chan wrote.

Global Times