HKEX Marks 40 Years of Unified Exchange With Cathay Pacific Gong Ceremony

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) on Thursday marked 40 years since the establishment of the unified Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, hosting a commemorative event at Exchange Square. The celebration included a special gong-strike ceremony with Cathay Pacific Airways, the first company to list under the unified exchange in May 1986.

HKEX also provided a preview of enhancement works for Connect Hall, part of a broader investment initiative to position its headquarters as a central landmark in Hong Kong's financial district. Cathay Pacific, listed under stock code 293, was the inaugural listing on the unified exchange following the merger of four local exchanges in 1986. The airline's participation in the event underscored its long-standing role as a connector between Hong Kong and global markets.

Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley noted the company's recent issuance of its first Hong Kong dollar public bond and its over HK$100 billion investment in Hong Kong's aviation hub, reflecting confidence in the city's future. HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong and Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley delivered welcome remarks, while HKEX Chief Executive Bonnie Y Chan and Cathay Group Chief Executive Ronald Lam participated in a fireside chat on Hong Kong's connectivity and its role as an international financial centre.

The event highlighted the evolution of Exchange Square from a trading hall to Connect Hall, which now hosts listing ceremonies and community events. HKEX in 2025 announced a major investment to establish permanent headquarters at Exchange Square, including acquisition of office floors and commercial space. The enhancement projects for Connect Hall include a new Grand Entrance and a reimagined finance museum, aimed at improving the experience for issuers and increasing community accessibility.

A photography-led exhibition is planned for October 2026 to showcase the exchange's history alongside the transformation of Exchange Square. The celebration signals HKEX's commitment to reinforcing its physical presence in Hong Kong's financial core, even as digital trading reduces the need for physical trading floors.

The investment in Connect Hall upgrades reflects a strategic focus on maintaining the venue as a symbol of market openness and connectivity, particularly for listing ceremonies that attract global attention. For international investors and issuers, the event shows HKEX's emphasis on its role as a superconnector between China and global markets.

The continued investment in Exchange Square and the partnership with Cathay Pacific highlight the exchange's efforts to blend tradition with modernization, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a gateway for capital flows and business connectivity.