For immediate release
Hong Kong, 21 September 2026 – Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency – Financial Services) Hon Robert LEE Wai-wang and 13 financial services industry associations (see list below) today jointly hosted a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The Hon John KC LEE, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a video address, conveying his National Day greetings alongside the financial services sector.
Mr John Lee remarked: “Over the past 77 years, the nation has accelerated its development into a financial powerhouse. The internationalization of the Renminbi (RMB) has progressed steadily, the two-way opening up of the capital markets has deepened, and the Connect programs have continued to expand. The nation has steadily advanced high-level opening up of its financial sector, creating extensive opportunities for global investors and significantly enhancing its international influence, achievements that fill every Chinese with pride. The nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial center, while strengthening its roles as a global offshore RMB business hub, an international asset and wealth management center, and an international risk management center. In this year’s Policy Address, the HKSAR Government has introduced a range of measures to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a global capital financing hub. In addition to continuing to enhance our capital markets and advance fintech and green finance, we are actively developing RMB and commodities trading, while strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an international risk management center, thereby further enriching Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.” He went on to encourage members of the financial services sector: “Finance is the lifeblood that nourishes all industries and brings together diverse streams to drive economic prosperity. The financial services industry is a pillar of Hong Kong’s economy. I am confident that you will continue to demonstrate a spirit of innovation and reform, seize the boundless opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan and national development, and scale new heights.”
The event was officiated by Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Acting Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Other officiating guests included Mr ZHANG Yong, Deputy Director, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR; Dr Hon Starry LEE Wai-king, President of the Legislative Council; Mr Joseph CHAN Ho-lim, Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr Xu Weigang, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the LOCPG in the HKSAR; Dr Kelvin WONG Tin-yau, Chairman, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC); Mr Carlson Tong Ka-shing, Chairman, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX); Ms Christina CHOI Fung-yee, Acting Chief Executive Officer, SFC; Ms Bonnie Y CHAN, Chief Executive Officer, HKEX; Mr LIU Min, Acting President, Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong; and Dr Haywood CHEUNG Tak-hay, Chairman, the Hong Kong Gold Exchange. The event was also attended by an esteemed assembly of Legislative Council Members and leading figures from the financial services sector.
In his speech, Mr Robert Lee highlighted three key points: (1) the financial services sector has an important role to play in proactively integrating into and contributing to national development, while supporting Hong Kong’s future growth; (2) the HKSAR Government, regulatory authorities, the Exchange and the industry should consolidate efforts and work closely together; and (3) the Legislative Council’s efforts to promote the development of Hong Kong’s financial sector.
He said: “This year marks the commencement of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan. I would like to thank the Chief Executive and the HKSAR Government for publishing Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address last week. These documents are of particular historical significance. These documents recognize finance as Hong Kong’s cornerstone and key strength, setting a clear direction for the sector’s development and advancing asset management, risk management, RMB business, commodities and other areas, thereby enabling Hong Kong to better contribute to and serve the country’s development.”
He added: “I am pleased to note that the Policy Address has incorporated many of the industry’s recommendations, including optimizing cross-clearing house margin arrangements; enhancing listed companies’ flexibility in undertaking mergers and acquisitions and restructurings; enriching the derivatives ecosystem; studying an increase in the Exchange Fund’s gold holdings; planning to introduce new RMB-denominated, physically settled gold futures contracts; promoting the listing in Hong Kong of companies from Southeast Asia and Belt and Road countries; and launching the ‘Financial Services Industry Youth Internship Programme’ to nurture local financial talent. The Five-Year Plan adopts a broader, more strategic perspective in advancing the ‘Four Centers and One Hub’ policy and taking forward the ‘Finance+’ strategy in support of the real economy. The industry should seize these opportunities, make solid progress on the ‘Five Major Financial Articles’, and contribute to the nation’s development into a financial powerhouse.”
13 Industry Associations – Chairpersons and Presidents
| Mr Liu Min, Acting President, Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong | Mr Richard Wo, Chairman, Hong Kong Securities Association |
| Ms Lian Shaodong, Chairperson, Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong | Dr Tang Sing Hing, Kenny, Chairperson, The Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators Limited |
| Mr Meng Yu, Chairperson, Chinese Financial Association of Hong Kong | Mr Kong Sheung Wing, John, Chairperson, The HK Association of Online Brokers |
| Mr Ming Xiaochong, Chairperson, Chinese Futures Association of Hong Kong | Ms Daisy Yeung, Chairperson, The Institute of Securities Dealers |
| Mr Jacky Tong, Chairperson, Hong Kong Precious Metals Traders Association | Mr Wong Stacey Martin, President, Association of Hong Kong Capital Market Practitioners Limited |
| Ms Lee Sai Yin, Jeanne, Chairperson, Hong Kong Securities Professionals Association | Mr Xiong Liting, President, 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