Chen Maobo: Hong Kong's financial market continues to thrive, promoting mutual promotion of "AI+" and "financial+"

On March 2, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po pointed out in his speech at the 2026 Lunar New Year reception for the financial services industry in Hong Kong that in the past two months, Hong Kong's financial market has continued to flourish, attracting issuers and funds from mainland China and internationally. The market capitalization of the stock market is close to HK$5 trillion, an increase of about 24% from the same period last year, with average daily turnover of about HK$260 billion, a 17% increase from last year. As for future investment, Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized one point in the "Budget" proposal, which is to empower the economy and industry with high-quality development through the mutual promotion and combination of "AI+" and "finance+". Paul Chan Mo-po mentioned that Hong Kong led the world last year, with 119 companies listed in Hong Kong and raising over HK$280 billion. The fundraising amount for companies in industries such as information technology, biotechnology, new energy, and advanced industry accounted for about 70%, leading the market development. He believes that the series of reforms made by the government since 2018 to enhance the competitiveness of the stock market through technological innovation and breakthroughs have been correct and can benefit from it. Paul Chan Mo-po stated that the "Budget" proposes the establishment of the "AI+ and Industrial Development Strategy Committee" to support the integration and promotion of AI with various industries. The greatest reliance on the development of AI has always been talents, so besides attracting and nurturing talents, it is necessary to promote the use of AI nationwide, improve the AI literacy of the entire society, and encourage the financial industry to actively embrace the wave of AI. As for "finance+", there are three points worth further assistance: first, to continue to expand and strengthen Hong Kong's financial market. After all, finance provides a solid foundation for technological innovation and the development of the real economy. With China's continuous promotion of high-level two-way opening-up, Hong Kong's role as a two-way financial platform can play a greater role, providing full-process financing support for high-quality mainland enterprises going global and assisting global companies in entering the Asian market through Hong Kong. Second, promote financial market support for the development of emerging industries and future industries. These industries need capital support, some even requiring patient long-term capital investment. In this regard, Hong Kong's financial market can play an important role. For example, in the case of aerospace, the Budget proposes that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange reviews listing rules to facilitate and attract more aerospace companies to list in Hong Kong. Third, "finance+" also means that financial services should further support the expansion and breakthroughs of the real economy through their innovation. Technological innovations such as AI and blockchain continue to empower financial services, creating more efficient and convenient transaction systems. At the same time, a series of emerging professional service needs will accelerate, such as the valuation and risk assessment of intellectual property, data assets, as well as related accounting, auditing, certification, and financing services. These are all areas with enormous development potential, and Hong Kong should seize the opportunity. In conclusion, Paul Chan Mo-po summarized that the financial services industry has always been proactive, innovative, and continuously pushing for deeper and broader market development. In the opening year of the national "Fifteen-Year Plan", with solid support from the country, the Hong Kong SAR government looks forward to working hand in hand with industry friends to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position and competitiveness as an international financial center.