Between 100 and 230 companies were expected to launch initial public offerings (IPOs), partner Irene Chu said, bringing the total proceeds to between HK$200 billion (US$25.5 billion) and HK$250 billion for the year, it said. The final tally would depend on market conditions, she added.
“Considering the strong momentum we saw in the first half, we expect the amount raised in the second half to at least double,” Chu, who is also head of new economy and life sciences at KPMG China, said at the annual China Conference organised by the South China Morning Post on Tuesday.
There were 219 applicants in the IPO pipeline, she added, including a record 210 making a beeline for the main board versus 86 at the end of 2024.
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX), the bourse operator, has been courting global firms to list in the city by stepping up efforts to recognise foreign stock exchanges. It has recognised Thailand, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to ease the route for companies there to list in Hong Kong.