Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today (Thursday) marked 40 years of Hong Kong’s modern stock exchange, hosting a commemorative event to celebrate the progress of its capital markets over the years. HKEX also kicked off exciting enhancement works for Connect Hall, part of broader investment initiatives that will firmly position its Exchange Square headquarters as a Central icon at the beating heart of the city’s financial hub.
HKEX was delighted to invite Cathay Pacific Airways Limited — the first company to list under the unified Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (the Exchange) in May 1986 — to join in a special gong strike ceremony that recognises the unique roles of both organisations as “Champions of Connectivity” between Hong Kong and the world.
A highlight for the afternoon was a crossover presentation by colleagues at HKEX and Cathay, tracing the journeys of the two Hong Kong superconnectors over the past decades. Through a series of era‑inspired scenes, the performance showed how the connectivity of people, capital and ideas has powered Hong Kong’s growth from the 1980s to the present day.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, and Cathay Group Chair, Guy Bradley, delivered welcome remarks, while HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, and Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, took part in a lively conversation where they shared their personal stories of connectivity, and discussed the future of Hong Kong as an international financial centre and as the preferred gateway for global travellers.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, said: “Forty years ago, Hong Kong’s unified stock exchange inaugurated its iconic Trading Hall at Exchange Square, positioning our city for a period of rapid growth in its financial markets. With its transformation into HKEX Connect Hall more recently, the venue has come to symbolise Hong Kong’s openness, resilience and global connectivity — connecting China and the world, and linking capital, ideas and opportunities across borders. As we mark this milestone with our friends at Cathay, we are reminded that connectivity remains at the heart of Hong Kong’s success, and will continue to shape our shared future.”
Cathay Group Chair, Guy Bradley, said: “We are honoured to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong with HKEX. As the first company listed on the unified exchange, Cathay is proud to have contributed to the city’s journey as a leading international financial centre. The recent announcement of our first Hong Kong dollar public bond reflects our continued commitment to Hong Kong’s financial markets, while our well over HK$100 billion investment underscores our confidence in the city’s future as a world-leading aviation hub. Looking ahead, we are committed to supporting the National 15th Five-Year Plan, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global financial and aviation hub, and enhancing its connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world — bringing people, businesses and opportunities closer together.”
Exchange Square, a commercial development that was purpose built to house the Exchange’s Trading Hall following the merger of four local exchanges, has been at the centre of Hong Kong’s capital market development, witnessing major milestones in financial infrastructure, product innovation and global market access. The Trading Hall began operations in April 1986, and it welcomed Cathay as the first listing under the unified exchange just weeks later. In 2018, the Trading Hall was transformed into HKEX Connect Hall, which now plays host to the vibrant gong strike listing ceremonies among other financial community events.
HKEX in 2025 announced a major investment to establish its permanent headquarters at Exchange Square, with the acquisition of several office floors and related commercial space to enable enhancements that will provide a more impactful experience for issuers celebrating market-open events at Connect Hall, as well as significantly elevating community connectivity and accessibility to HKEX.
HKEX today offered a sneak preview to some of these enhancement projects, including the brand-new Grand Entrance to Connect Hall and a reimagined finance museum. It also unveiled plans for a photography-led exhibition in October 2026 to showcase the Exchange’s history, role and evolution alongside the transformation of Exchange Square.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong gives welcoming remarks.
Cathay Group Chair, Guy Bradley gives opening remarks.
HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan and Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam participate in a fireside chat on the future of Hong Kong’s connectivity and its role as an international financial centre.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong and Cathay Group Chair, Guy Bradley strike the gong.
HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong (fifth from right) and Cathay Group Chair, Guy Bradley (fifth from left) strike the gong, joined by HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan (fourth from right); Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam (fourth from left); HKEX Director, Joseph Yam (third from right); HKEX Director, Anna Cheung (second from right); HKEX Director, Herbert Chia (first from right); Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau (third from left); Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, Alex McGowan (second from right); and Cathay Group Chief Financial Officer, Rebecca Sharpe (first from right).
HKEX and Cathay representatives, joined by SEHK Committee Member in 1986, Henry Wu (fifth from right); Hong Kong Legislative Council Member, Robert Lee (fourth from right); Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau Deputy Secretary, Francis Ho (fifth from left); and Securities and Futures Commission Executive Director, Rico Leung (fourth from left).
HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan (third from right); HKEX Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Lau (second from right); and HKEX Group General Counsel and Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Paul Chow (first from right); joined by Hongkong Land Chief Financial Officer, Craig Beattie (third from left); Hongkong Land General Counsel, John Simpkins (second from left); Hongkong Land Chief Executive, Hong Kong Central, Graeme Torre (first from left).
Illustration of HKEX Connect Hall Grand Entrance.
