Confidential Information Case at HKEX Leads to Criminal Charges

The HKEX confidential information case has led Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption to charge a former exchange vice president and his mother over alleged dishonest access to internal listed-company information.

Geoffrey Tong Po-hang, 39, and Leung Yiu-chun, 68, each face one count of obtaining computer access for dishonest gain in connection with alleged conduct between February 2018 and April 2023.

Investigators allege that Tong repeatedly accessed confidential information unrelated to his duties. His mother's investment account subsequently traded shares in the companies concerned, allegedly generating profits exceeding HKD500,000 (USD64,000).

The investigation followed a corruption complaint referred by the Securities and Futures Commission.

The allegations draw attention to information security and controls at financial market operators.

The charges have not been proven, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.