Asian financial firms wake up to Brexit risks, make contingency plans

Hong Kong

THE Hong Kong exchange has begun a Brexit impact assessment, and some Asian asset managers are looking to set up new bases in mainland Europe amid growing concerns their operations could be disrupted if Britain votes to leave the European Union (EU) in a June referendum.

The central banks of Hong Kong and Singapore told Reuters they were also closely monitoring developments around the June 23 vote.

A spokeswoman for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned of "significant uncertainties" in the event of an "Out" vote.

The contingency planning highlights concerns that Brexit, as Britain leaving the EU has been called…