As a leading global exchange group, we are proud to play a unique role in financial markets. We are both a market operator and regulator, running trusted and resilient markets that connect buyers and sellers, investors and issuers, ideas and capital.
We are also a corporate in our own right, running a business that is fully committed to connecting, promoting and progressing our markets and the communities they support for the prosperity of all.
This means that sustainability and strong ESG stewardship are at our core. We promote and advocate for this in a number of ways and on multiple fronts.
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1999
The Stock Code Balloting for Charity Scheme
The Stock Code Balloting for Charity Scheme was introduced in 1999, giving prospective listing issuers the opportunity to select their preferred stock code in exchange for a donation to charity – at the time, the Community Chest of Hong Kong. With the launch of HKEX Foundation in 2020, the scheme was renamed as the “Stock Code for Charity Scheme” and it became the primary funding source of HKEX Foundation.
2005-2010
HKEX added to sustainability-related indices
HKEX was included in three of the world’s flagship sustainability-related indices for the first time: the FTSE4Good Index Series Index (since 2005), the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index – Asia Pacific (both since 2010). The inclusions reflect HKEX’s long-held, unwavering commitment to building a sustainable company and a sustainable market.
2012
HKEX opened a new sustainable data centre in Hong Kong
This new state-of-the-art data centre was built with best-in-class waste management and recycling practices. The building is a leader in energy efficiency, receiving several recognitions such as gold certifications for its Core & Shell and Building Operations & Maintenance from the globally respected Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), maintained by the US Green Building Council.
2018
HKEX joined the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UNSSE)
HKEX was proud to join the UNSSE – a global community of 100+ exchanges – which seeks to explore how exchanges can progress ESG in capital markets and encourage sustainable investment. In 2019, HKEX announced its support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and began embedding SDG-oriented targets into its CSR activity.
2020
HKEX Foundation was launched
Launched on HKEX’s 20th anniversary as a listed company, the Foundation seeks to fund community projects in Hong Kong that bring about positive change and improve people’s lives. It supports projects covering diversity and inclusion, financial literacy, poverty relief and environmental sustainability. The Foundation launched its flagship programmes the Charity Partnership Programme and the Impact Funding Scheme in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
2021
HKEX became a signatory to the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
HKEX became one of only a handful of exchanges to have joined GFANZ, a community of 450 leading financial institutions from around the world committed to accelerating the global transition to net zero.