Hong Kong Targets Nov. 16 Launch for Paperless Securities Regime

Hong Kong paperless securities regime is targeted for launch on Nov. 16, 2026, according to the Securities and Futures Commission, which said newly listed securities will have to be issued in paperless form from listing while existing listed securities will be brought into the system gradually over five years.

The SFC said investors holding paper certificates could decide when to convert them into electronic form and that a commencement notice would be tabled before the Legislative Council in the second quarter.

Executive director Rico Leung said the regime would improve investor choice and streamline market processes, while share registrars and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing were already in advanced testing.

The Hong Kong paperless securities regime marks a major shift in market infrastructure.