Key facts
- HKEX said the derivatives after-hours session will close at 4:15 am from March 2027, extending from 3:00 am.
- HKEX said a further extension to 5:15 am in November 2027 may be considered, subject to market development.
- HKEX said day session trading hours and holiday trading in the derivatives market will remain unchanged.
- HKEX said it is working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on a pilot using e-HKD for advance margin deposits outside regular banking hours.
- HKEX Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Lau said investors need flexibility to manage risk as developments unfold across time zones.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing said on Monday that its derivatives after-hours trading session will close at 4:15 am Hong Kong time from March 2027, 75 minutes later than the current 3:00 am close. The change is subject to regulatory approval and market readiness, the bourse operator said.
HKEX said it may consider a further extension of the session to 5:15 am in November 2027, subject to market development after the first extension. Day session trading hours and holiday trading in the derivatives market will remain unchanged, it said. To support the longer session, HKEX said corresponding adjustments will be made to certain post-trade service windows and risk management procedures.
HKEX Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Lau said: "Global markets are increasingly interconnected, and investors need the flexibility to manage risk as developments unfold across time zones." She said the initiative, together with a pilot project to enable a digital payment solution for after-hours trading, reflects HKEX's commitment to market accessibility and operational resilience.
Alongside the extension, HKEX said it is working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on a pilot project exploring the use of e-HKD to support advance margin deposits outside regular banking hours. HKEX said further details of the implementation and readiness arrangements will be announced in due course, and encouraged market participants to assess the impact on their systems, operations and vendor arrangements.