HKEX Option Clearing House: Settlement services for half-day trading days proposed to be launched on 5 February 2027

The SEHK Options Clearing House Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKEX) published a notice on 23 October updating the progress of preparations for settlement services on half-day trading days in the Hong Kong securities market. The notice mentioned that the institution had issued a related market readiness confirmation notice on 27 August 2026. Based on the feedback collected, most clearing participants confirmed that they could complete the relevant preparations by the end of January 2027. Subject to regulatory approval, the first half-day trading day on which settlement services are expected to be provided is 5 February 2027 (the eve of Lunar New Year). Once the relevant arrangements are implemented, the Central Clearing and Settlement System will provide settlement services on half-day trading days. Clearing participants, together with their exchange participants (where applicable), need to implement supporting operational arrangements, including system settings, funding, and manpower, to ensure that settlement on half-day trading days can be processed in accordance with normal settlement procedures.