HKEX shareholders approve new articles of association, paving the way for the implementation of a paperless securities regime.

HKEX announcement: the company's shareholders have passed a special resolution to adopt new articles of association, making supporting arrangements for HKEX's participation in the uncertificated securities market (USM) and ensuring that the articles comply with USM-related rules and regulations. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong announced that the Hong Kong USM regime will be officially launched on November 16, 2026. Once the regime is implemented, paper documents will no longer be required for the transfer of legal ownership of securities listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. HKEX stated that USM is an important milestone in the development of Hong Kong's financial market infrastructure. The mechanism can streamline business processes and enhance automation, further improve shareholder information transparency, strengthen investor communication and interaction, and help improve corporate governance.