A view of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (HKEX). It is a leading global exchange group and the sole operator of Hong Kong’s securities and derivatives markets. File photo: VCG
Hong Kong stock market has remained as the world’s leading initial public offering (IPO) market in the first three months of 2026, as the total funds raised – HK$110.4 billion ($14.1 billion) from 40 listed companies – set a record high for any first quarter since 2021, latest data showed on Wednesday.
In the primary market, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) continues to be the world’s leading IPO venue in the first quarter of 2026, with nearly six times IPO funds raised compared with the same period of 2025, according to a statement released by the HKEX on Wednesday.
The IPO pipeline remained robust, with 431 listing applications under processing as of March 31, up 25 percent from the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, post-listing refinancing activities have been active, with HKEX-listed companies raising a total of HK$135.1 billion through secondary offerings in the first three months of this year – the second-highest first-quarter figure seen in the past five years.
Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HKEX, said in a statement that HKEX witnessed a very strong start to 2026 with business revenues and profits both reaching record highs in the first quarter of 2026, as global capital continued to seek safe havens and access to Asian growth opportunities in an increasingly volatile world.
“Hong Kong’s primary market momentum remained robust, with the city maintaining its position as the world’s leading IPO venue and a pipeline of high-quality IPOs continuing to underscore our role as a leading fundraising platform for companies across innovative and growth sectors,” said Chan.
During the quarter, three major Chinese mainland companies – Muyuan Foods Co, Eastroc Beverage (Group) Co, and Montage Technology – went public on HKEX, having raising HK$12.1 billion, HK$11.1 billion, and HK$8.1 billion of funds, respectively.
Global Times