The world is changing fast. The Hong Kong economy and the Hong Kong financial market have continued to grow and change with each generation over time, which has been the key to our success. Hong Kong has successfully captured opportunities offered by China’s reform and opening up in the last few decades by being bold, pragmatic and versatile, transforming itself from a regional securities market into a prominent international financial centre. As the Mainland becomes prosperous after years of economic growth, how should Hong Kong reposition itself in the decades to come?
As we enter an era of rapid change and enhanced financial connectivity, HKEX has also been leading and promoting market development, so as to facilitate the global allocation of Mainland assets, enable both Mainland and overseas investors to manage their Mainland financial risks in an offshore environment, and help China exercise international pricing power in commodities and currencies, and to provide a platform for Mainland investors to price overseas assets.
This book is a compilation of the insightful blog articles written in recent years by Mr. Charles Li, the Chief Executive of HKEX. Categorized into six chapters, the book discusses the strategic development of HKEX, equity market and market regulation, connectivity and mutual market, fixed income and currency market, commodities market, and explain the meaning of each measure to the international, Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, with an aim to help readers understand the development of the local financial market and the future roles of Hong Kong.
Charles Li
Chief Executive
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
Charles Li has served as Chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) since 2010. In this role, Mr. Li has orchestrated some of the most significant strategic initiatives in HKEX’s history, including the acquisition of the London Metal Exchange in 2012, the launch of OTC Clear in 2013, and the introduction of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2014, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2016, and Bond Connect in 2017. He has sought to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an offshore Renminbi hub and led HKEX’s efforts to reform its listing regime to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness and secure its position as a leading IPO centre.
Mr. Li was born in Beijing and grew up in Gansu. Before leaving China for further study, Mr. Li was an offshore oil worker in the North China Sea and then an editor-reporter for China Daily. After completing his Juris Doctor (JD) degree in the US, Mr. Li practiced law in New York with Davis Polk & Wardwell and Brown & Wood. Before joining HKEX, he was the Chairman of JP Morgan China, prior to which he was the President of Merrill Lynch China.
Mr. Li obtained a BA degree in English literature from Xiamen University in 1984, an MA degree in journalism from the University of Alabama in 1988, and a JD degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1991.
