The new office demonstrates the Exchange’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, and will enable the Exchange to get closer to its existing Asian customers and to attract further Asian companies to London. The office is headed by Jane Zhu, the Exchange’s Head of Asia-Pacific, together with her team Henry Chiu, Naomitsu Abe and Phyllis Shing.
The office was formally opened by Chris Gibson-Smith, the Exchange’s Chairman, Henry Tang, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR, and Alderman Robert Finch, Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Commenting on the office opening, Chris Gibson-Smith said: “The opening of our office today underlines our ongoing commitment to both China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. China is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world, at the heart of the world’s fastest growing region. As the world’s most international financial centre, we believe London is the natural home for dynamic, growing Chinese and Asian companies looking to attract international capital.”
With its Hong Kong office, the Exchange will be targeting large privatisation deals and the flotations of other medium to large enterprises in China, and will also continue to promote dual listings in London and Hong Kong through a single prospectus.
We are also building our ties with the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, two increasingly important exchanges in the region. In January 2004, we signed Memoranda of Understanding with both exchanges.
Commenting on our plans in the region, Clara Furse, Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange said: "As one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world, China is a core market for the London Stock Exchange. By the same measure, as the world’s most international financial centre, London should be the natural home for dynamic, growing Chinese companies looking to attract international capital. London has more funds under management than New York and a much more pragmatic system of regulation under which international companies can list and raise money.”
To contact our Asia Pacific team in the Hong Kong Office, please call +852 3555 6390.