The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Exchange) have launched a dedicated Technology Enterprises Channel (TECH) to support prospective Specialist Technology Companies and Biotech Companies preparing Main Board listing applications, alongside a new confidential filing option for these issuers. The Exchange also updated its Guide for New Listing Applicants to treat these companies as presumed to meet the Innovative Company Requirements and external validation requirement when seeking a weighted voting right (WVR) structure under Main Board Chapter 8A. TECH provides early, tailored engagement before a formal new listing application is filed, including access to a specialised team for Main Board Chapters 18C and 18A, guidance on eligibility and suitability issues (including Core Products, acceptance of other biotech products and clinical trials under different authorities, Sophisticated Investor qualifications and independence, and acceptable sectors for Specialist Technology Industries), and preliminary views on case-specific Listing Rule questions. For confidential filing, eligible Specialist Technology Companies and Biotech Companies applying under Main Board Chapters 18C and 18A may submit their Application Proofs confidentially, a mechanism to which the SFC has formally consented pursuant to Main Board Rule 2.04. The confidential filing option applies to listing applications filed under Main Board Chapters 18C and 18A after the announcement. Applicants required to publish an OC Announcement under Main Board Rule 12.01C must publish it on the same date as they publish their PHIP, and WVR applicants remain subject to all other applicable Main Board Chapter 8A and Guide requirements.

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