Paul Chan Tells Bloomberg Quality Listings Are Key

Why It Matters

Ensuring a steady supply of quality listings and competitive tax policies reinforces Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s premier capital‑raising hub, directly influencing investor confidence and regional financial stability.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong targets steady 2‑3% growth despite energy volatility.
• Emphasis on quality IPOs to sustain market credibility.
• Tax incentives aim to attract family offices without race‑to‑bottom.
• Hong Kong positions as super‑connector between China, Middle East, Southeast Asia.
• Talent influx supported by streamlined visas and education ecosystem.

Summary

Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, told Bloomberg that the city’s priority is to secure a steady 2‑3% economic expansion and keep inflation near 1.5% despite volatile energy prices and geopolitical shocks. He highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a safe‑haven for capital, noting a $90 billion net inflow last year and a 20% equity market gain, while stressing the need for a pipeline of high‑quality issuers to sustain market confidence.

The government aims to attract family offices and global investors through targeted tax concessions that remain competitive without a race‑to‑the‑bottom. Over 400 quality companies are slated for listing, with more than 300 in the IPO pipeline, and the administration is actively courting diversified issuers—from Middle‑East auto firms to Central Asian miners. Talent attraction is also a focus, with 590,000 visa applications processed since 2022 and 80,000 newcomers already contributing to the local economy.

Chan cited concrete examples: a $1 billion co‑investment fund with a Saudi private‑equity partner to support manufacturing, and the city’s “super‑connector” status linking China, the Gulf and Southeast Asia via seamless transport links. He reiterated that Hong Kong will not compromise on regulatory standards, emphasizing that “quality issuers attract capital and build market reputation.”

The broader implication is that Hong Kong is positioning itself as a resilient, diversified financial hub capable of weathering external shocks while offering a full‑service ecosystem—tax, talent, connectivity, and legal certainty—to retain and grow international capital flows.

Original Description

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan tells Bloomberg’s Yvonne Man he government's number one priority is to ensure a continuous supply of quality issuers coming to list in the city. He was speaking at the Bloomberg Family Office Summit 2026

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