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Hong Kong reclaims top global IPO spot in 2025, says KPMG

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5 months ago

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Record A+H listings drive historic year, pipeline of over 300 signals sustained momentum into 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – Hong Kong has reclaimed the top spot in global IPO market rankings for the first time since 2019, driven by a record number of A+H listings that contributed over half of total funds raised, according to KPMG’s latest Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong IPO Markets 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook. With an all-time high of more than 300 active IPO applications in the pipeline as at 7 December 2025 – including 92 active A+H listing applicants – Hong Kong is well positioned to maintain its IPO momentum into 2026.

In 2025, global IPO markets raised USD158.4 billion across 1,227 deals, reflecting a 18% rise in funds raised and a 4% drop in deal volume compared to 2024. Hong Kong led the way, followed by the US stock exchanges in second and third place, which saw their combined fundraising grow by 18% year-on-year. Rounding out the top five were the National Stock Exchange of India and the Shanghai Stock Exchange, securing the fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Paul Lau, Partner, Head of Capital Markets and Professional Practice, KPMG in China, says, “Key global IPO markets have trended upwards in 2025 with Hong Kong’s threefold increase in funds raised making it the largest single contributor to the global IPO market’s recovery and reaffirming its status as a leading international financial centre. Buoyed by this momentum and a backlog of potential IPO candidates, we expect this upward trend to continue into 2026. In particular, the pace of AI-related listings is poised to accelerate as the technology matures and is adopted more widely across various industries.”

The A-share market continues its steady development, expected to raise RMB163.7 billion across 130 deals, representing a 23% growth in funds raised while deal volume remained stable compared to 2024. The listing of 20 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) remains a significant driver, securing RMB41.0 billion in funding, which accounts for 25% of the total A-share proceeds in 2025.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market saw substantial reforms during the year, including the launch of a science and technology innovation growth tier in July. Since then, 3 pre-profit companies – primarily from the semiconductor and biotechnology sectors – have been listed in the growth tier. These reforms aim to help early-stage, high-quality companies utilise capital to accelerate the commercialisation of technology and enhance overall industrial capabilities.

Irene Chu, Partner, Head of New Economy and Life Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG in China, says: “The A-share IPO market posted steady gains in 2025. The 15th Five-Year Plan deepens the reform for China’s capital markets, with inclusiveness and coordinated investment and financing at the core of market reforms. As these strategic priorities take hold, we expect the authorities to prioritise and sustain their efforts to foster steady, high-quality growth in the A-share market for years to come.”

The Hong Kong IPO market delivered a standout performance in 2025, with funds raised expected to reach HK$272.1 billion across 100 listings. This would represent increases of 210% and 43% respectively compared to 2024, marking the strongest year in terms of funds raised since 2022. The growth was driven by the rise of A+H listings, which accounted for half of total IPO funds raised.

A record 17 A+H listings were completed in 2025, the highest number on record, highlighting Hong Kong’s strength as a bridge between domestic and global capital pools. The surge was fueled by strong government policy support and the momentum established by successful mega-sized A+H listings recently. Among them, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer raised HK$41.0 billion through its A+H listing, making it the largest IPO globally in 2025.

The city hosted 14 pre-revenue biotech listings (Ch.18A) in 2025, up from 4 in 2024, along with 3 specialist technology listings (Ch.18C), on par with the previous year. The launch of the Technology Enterprises Channel (TECH) and the option for confidential submissions for Ch.18A and Ch.18C companies, has streamlined and improved the listing process. These improvements underscore the city’s dedication to fortifying its status as a leading global listing platform.

Active IPO applications in Hong Kong reached a record 316 as at 7 December 2025, a 267% increase from the end of 2024. Within this pipeline, 92 are A+H applications. When combined with A-share companies that have announced their intention to list in Hong Kong, we may be seeing over a hundred A+H listings applications in the near future, providing an anticipated robust start to 2026.

Amendments to the eligibility requirements for companies with weighted voting rights (WVR) structures are currently being considered, with potential enhancements including: lowering market capitalisation requirements, revising the Innovative Company definition, and adjusting voting power restrictions. These changes aim to enable more companies to utilise the regime and afford greater flexibility for founders. A crucial aspect will be striking the right balance between offering flexibility to potential issuers and safeguarding investor interests.

Louis Lau, Partner, Head of Hong Kong Capital Markets Group, KPMG in China, says: “Hong Kong’s return to the top of global IPO rankings has demonstrated the resilience of its capital market and its role as an international financial centre. We are witnessing a steady influx of tech and biotech firms opting to list in Hong Kong, drawn by the city’s supportive policies and stable regulatory environment. Rising participation from foreign investors further emphasises Hong Kong’s growing appeal as a gateway to Chinese assets and high-tech investment opportunities. As policies continue to promote innovation and new economy sectors, aside from the continued momentum from A+H listings, we also expect 2026 to be a pivotal year for high-tech listings, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a global capital markets leader.”

Remark: All figures and data referenced in this press release and the related report are as at 7 December 2025, adjusted for confirmed listings up to 31 December 2025.Hashtag: #KPMG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPMG

KPMG in China has offices located in 31 cities with over 14,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. It started operations in Hong Kong in 1945. In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. In 2012, KPMG became the first among the “Big Four” in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership.

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organisation or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

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Hong Kong Company Formations Surge 40.5% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Competitors

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14 hours ago

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15/05/2026

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Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.

“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”

The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.

Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:

  • Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
  • Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
  • Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
  • A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
  • Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.

Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.

Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.

For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.

“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.

Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.

Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.

Hashtag: #AirCorporate

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”

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14 hours ago

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15/05/2026

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Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.

Desert diamonds

Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.

Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.

Magnificent Diamond Earrings

A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.

Standout Diamond Moments

Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.

Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.

Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026

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1 day ago

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14/05/2026

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The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.

HL Bank Singapore is giving music fans the chance to redeem exclusive passes to the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026, featuring top Asian acts, through its iSavings Reward Campaign.

This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.

Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.

Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.

With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.

For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026

Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HL Bank Singapore

HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.

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