Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing reported a record netprofit for 2025, driven by high trading activity and a surge in initial publicofferings.Net profit rose 36 per cent to HK$17.7 billion (around USD2.25 billion), in line with analysts’ forecasts. The bourse said it would payHK$12.52 per share (around USD 1.59) in total dividends, up 23 per cent from2024. HKEX shares closed 0.4 per cent higher, reversing earlier losses, whilethe wider market fell 1.2 per cent.Investing platforms such as eTorohave begun offering access to HKEX-listed securities to expand access forretail investors. The rollout will include all HKEX-listed securities,including stocks, ETFs, and other exchange-traded products, with real-timepricing data.IPOs Raise USD 287 Billion GloballyChief executive Bonnie Chan said the exchange sees “causefor optimism in capital markets” as global investors respond to uncertainty byseeking diversification and risk management opportunities, particularly inAsian and Chinese assets.Last year, the exchange regained the title of the "world’stop listing venue" for the first time since 2019. Initial public offerings andother share sales raised about USD 287 billion for 119 companies and theirshareholders, according to Business Times Singapore. Chinese companies accounted for roughly 70 per cent of theproceeds, with 85 mainland firms participating. Among the largest listings wasa USD 5.3 billion share sale by battery maker Contemporary Amperex TechnologyCo.Hong Kong exchange posts record profit as equity turnover doubles, listings rebound https://t.co/q55k1kLYrc— The Straits Times (@straits_times) February 26, 2026Regulator Warns Over Substandard ApplicationsHKEX said it had a strong listing pipeline, with more than400 active applications. The exchange and local securities regulator issued awarning about substandard applications, citing pressure on investment banks.Trading volume, which contributes around 60 per cent ofrevenue, rose 93 per cent in 2025. Under the southbound Stock Connect scheme,volume jumped 151 per cent as mainland investors increased exposure to HongKong-listed shares.This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.