China-HK ETF link still at discussion stage

Hong Kong

EXCHANGE-TRADED fund firms are waiting for the start of a link that would let potentially millions of Chinese investors buy ETFs in Hong Kong, but the programme is still at the discussion stage, according to the chief executive of the city's stock exchange.

The addition of ETFs to Hong Kong and China's stock connect programme, which already has two links between the city and the mainland, is the subject of talks between the respective regulators, Charles Li, chief executive at Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, said in an interview. The rules haven't been agreed, and there isn't a lot of pressure to reach a deal quickly, he said.