China has world's safest equity market, says HKEx CEO

Hong Kong

HONG Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd chief executive officer Charles Li called China the world's "safest" stock market, seeking to allay investor concerns over government intervention and surging volatility.

The nation's market structure gives government-run entities such as exchanges, custodians and clearing houses direct control over the safeguarding of investor assets, trading and settlement, Mr Li said in a blog post on HKEx's website. That differs from most international markets - where brokerages play a more central role - and helps regulators prevent misconduct, he said.