HK Exchange to extend post-close derivatives trading from March
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing plans to extend post-close derivatives trading by one hour 15 minutes from March, pending regulatory approval. A further extension to 5:15am is being considered for November. The exchange also plans a digital-currency pilot with the HKMA for margin deposits outside b
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has announced plans to extend the post-close trading session for derivatives from March next year, subject to regulatory approval and market readiness.
Under the new arrangement, the closing time of the after-hours trading session would be pushed back from 3am to 4:15am. The exchange said it would consider a further extension to 5:15am in November next year, depending on market development after the initial extension.
HKEX Chief Operating Officer Betty Lau said global markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and investors need greater flexibility to respond to market changes across different time zones and to manage risk. The exchange hopes the new measures, together with a previously announced pilot scheme using digital currency for margin deposits, will facilitate market participation and enhance service and operational resilience.
HKEX is working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on a pilot programme exploring the use of a digital Hong Kong dollar (e-HKD) for margin payments outside banking hours, offering market participants more flexible payment options during the post-close trading session. Details of the implementation will be announced separately in due course.