The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), announced today that it will grant a temporary waiver to extend the validity period of eligible New Listing applications from six months to 12 months from the date of the listing application form, subject to satisfaction of certain prescribed conditions and safeguards.

The Temporary Waiver gives applicants, sponsors and their advisers greater flexibility to manage their listing timetable and reduces the frequency of refiling applications thereby minimising submission of administrative updates that may later be superseded, allowing them to focus their time on the quality of the application materials and listing documents.

This change will not alter the Exchange’s regulatory standards or the protections in place for investors. Applicants benefiting from the extension must still meet all applicable Listing Rules and provide complete, up-to-date information — including the latest business and financial information — so that regulators can properly assess each application and investors can make informed decisions.

The conditions for the Temporary Waiver include (i) the Exchange has not indicated in its comment letter(s) that vetting of the applicant’s New Listing application was or has been suspended; and (ii) no direct requisition letter under the Securities and Futures (Stock Market Listing) Rules and/or a major concerns letter has been issued by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and/or the Exchange.

Ms Katherine Ng, HKEX’s Head of Listing, said:

“HKEX is committed to continuously enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s listing framework, while upholding robust regulatory standards and public interest. With the support of the SFC, the extension builds on the Enhanced Application Timeframe5 introduced by the Exchange and the SFC in October 2024 and gives applicants greater flexibility to manage their listing timetable and supports a more focused and efficient application process.”

Throughout the New Listing application process, applicants, sponsors and their advisers are expected to monitor the progress, keep the regulators informed of material developments and submit a feasible timetable. Sponsors must exercise due skill, care and diligence in formulating a reasonable timetable, considering the time required by the regulators to review and complete the assessment.

In view of the extension, the relevant timelines contemplated under the Enhanced Application Timeframe will be adjusted as appropriate by reference to the latest progress and timetable provided by applicants and sponsors.