For immediate release
Financial Services Sector and Hon Robert Lee Host 2026 Spring Reception
Industry Poised to “Gallop” towards New Opportunities in the Year of the Horse
Hong Kong, 2 March 2026 — Hon Robert Lee Wai-Wang, Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency – Financial Services), joined hands with 13 financial services industry associations (see full list below) to host a spring reception today at HKEX’s Connect Hall. The event brought together hundreds of professionals across the securities, futures, gold, corporate finance and asset management sectors, as well as Government officials, regulatory representatives, and members of the Legislative Council and Election Committee. Guests exchanged insights on market trends and sector developments, expressing optimism that the Year of the Horse will see the sector “gallop” towards a steady and promising new chapter.
The event was officiated by Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. Other officiating guests included Mr Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr Xu Weigang, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR; Ms Salina Yan Mei-mei, Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, Chairman, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC); Mr Rico Leung Chung-yin, Acting Chief Executive Officer, SFC; Mr Carlson Tong Ka-shing, Chairman, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX); Ms Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer, HKEX; Ms Huang Haiqin, Chairman, Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong; and Dr Haywood Cheung Tak-hay, Chairman, the Hong Kong Gold Exchange.
Hon Robert Lee remarked at the ceremony: “Hong Kong’s financial markets have displayed exceptional resilience and vitality over the past year, delivering achievements that speak for themselves. These accomplishments have been driven by new opportunities and strong momentum, made possible through our country’s steadfast support, the diligent efforts of Government financial authorities, and the collective commitment of industry partners.”
He added: “I am delighted to note the series of policy measures introduced in the latest Budget to advance the development and reform of the financial industry. These measures cover securities, renminbi (RMB), fixed income, funds, gold, and other areas, addressing longstanding market needs. I look forward to the timely implementation of these initiatives, including board size and OTC trading platform for delisted stocks or those requiring special handling. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the transition to T+1 and uncertificated securities market regime does not impose additional costs on the industry. The forthcoming legislative agenda also includes a number of financial issues, such as enabling the payment of stamp duty on RMB-denominated securities in RMB, expanding the scope of eligible fund investments for tax concessions, optimizing the REITs regime, and further enhancing the regulatory regime for Virtual Asset OTC trading and custodian services licensing regime.”
In addition to supporting the securities industry, Mr Lee hopes that the Government will continue to promote the diversified development of the local financial services sector. “Further progress can be built on Hong Kong’s solid and well-diversified financial foundation. For example, in developing the gold market, the Government could work closely with the Hong Kong Gold Exchange to explore ways to refine regulations for both traditional and innovative products, while promoting asset tokenization through fintech applications. Efforts should also be made to strengthen the position of the futures and derivatives sector, such as by assessing the efficiencies of HKEX’s clearing houses, including cross margining of products. At the same time, greater emphasis should be placed on promoting commodities trading, expanding existing markets in energy, precious metals, and agricultural products, and facilitating related activities such as corporate finance, asset management, alternative investments, and family offices. It is equally important to support SMEs in the financial services industry to foster the comprehensive and balanced growth of the entire sector.”
13 Industry Associations – Chairman of Respective Organizations
| Ms Huang Haiqin, Chairman, Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong | Mr Wo Ki, Richard, Chairman, Hong Kong Securities Association |
| Mr Ming Xiaochong, Chairman, Chinese Futures Association of Hong Kong
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Ms Daisy Yeung, Chairman, The Institute of Securities Dealers |
| Ms Lian Shaodong, Chairman, Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong | Mr Kong Sheung Wing, John, Chairman, The HK Association of Online Brokers |
| Mr Meng Yu, Chairman, Chinese Financial Association of Hong Kong | Mr Tang Sing Hing, Kenny, Chairman, The Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators Limited
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| Mr Jacky Tong, Chairman, Hong Kong Precious Metals Traders Association | Mr Wong Wai Shing, Chairman, Association of Hong Kong Capital Market Practitioners |
| Ms Lee Sai Yin, Jeanne, Chairman, Hong Kong Securities Professionals Association | Mr Xiong Liting, Chairman, Hong Kong LPF Association |
| Mr Mofiz Chan, Chairman, Hong Kong Securities & Futures Professionals Association |
Media enquiries:
Crystal Xu or Rachel Tsang, Office of Hon Robert LEE Wai-wang
Tel: +852 3686 2071 / Email: info@robertlee.hk