The recording of our webinar “Required Standards of Sponsor Work on Hong Kong IPOs and HKEX’s Consultation on Reforms to Increase Competitiveness” is now available on YouTube. In this session, we examined the sharp rise in IPO activity in Hong Kong in 2025 and the regulatory concerns that followed, including deficiencies in some listing applications and increasing pressure on sponsors.
We also analysed the regulatory response by the SFC and HKEX, including enhanced sponsor obligations, stricter competency and resourcing requirements, and the HKEX’s wide-ranging consultation on listing reforms. Particular attention was given to proposed measures such as confidential filing and the introduction of a “naming and shaming” mechanism for all advisers involved in returned applications, as well as broader efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading global IPO venue.