Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, on Hong Kong's Evolving Financial Landscape

Hong Kong's pivotal role as a super connector between global investors and mainland China, the importance of tailored regulation in fostering market innovation, and the growing relevance of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping the future of finance.

In this special video episode of the Innovators’ Exchange recorded in London, Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), is interviewed by podcast host Hiten Patel. In the interview Bonnie emphasizes the importance of collaboration within Asian markets to bolster growth and views regulation as an enabler rather than an obstacle. She also addresses the rising interest in stablecoins and digital assets, noting ongoing regulatory developments in Hong Kong.

Key talking points:

• Bonnie’s background: She reflects on her fascinating career path, from early regulatory roles to her current position as CEO of HKEX. Bonnie credits her legal training in capital markets for sharpening problem-solving skills essential to managing a stock exchange, and underscores the importance of continuous learning about secondary markets.
• Views on regulation: She argues that regulation can serve as an enabler rather than a hurdle. By understanding market stakeholders, regulators can design tailored frameworks that facilitate market development.
• Hong Kong's global financial role: Bonnie describes Hong Kong as a "super connector" between global investors and mainland China, especially as geopolitical dynamics shift. She highlights a resurgence of foreign investment in recent IPOs and HKEX's recent return to the top of global IPO rankings.
• Innovation pipeline: More than 300 companies are waiting to be listed on HKEX, many in cutting-edge sectors such as biotechnology and technology. She notes the growing international nature of these companies, with many generating significant revenue from outside China.
• Stablecoins and digital assets: Stablecoins are gaining traction in Hong Kong, with regulations being established for their issuance. Bonnie sees stablecoins primarily as a medium of exchange, highlighting their potential for settling stock transactions.

This episode is part of Innovators’ Exchange, a series that explores the financial infrastructure and technology landscape. Tune in to hear more insights from industry leaders on the evolution of the global financial ecosystem.

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This episode was recorded in October 2025.