Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) plans to extend its derivatives after-hours trading (AHT) session to 4:15 am from March 2027, adding 75 minutes to the current closing time of 3:00 am.

The extension, announced on Monday (2 November), remains subject to regulatory approval and market readiness.

HKEX said the longer session would give market participants more flexibility to manage risk and respond to global developments outside regular Hong Kong trading hours.

HKEX may consider a further extension to 5:15 am in November 2027, depending on market developments following the initial rollout.

To accommodate the longer session, HKEX will adjust certain post-trade service windows and risk management procedures.

Day session trading hours, holiday trading and other existing derivatives market arrangements will remain unchanged.

“Global markets are increasingly interconnected, and investors need the flexibility to manage risk as developments unfold across time zones,”

said Vanessa Lau, Chief Operating Officer of HKEX.

Lau added that the extension would support Hong Kong’s role as an international risk management centre. It would also improve market accessibility and operational flexibility.

HKEX and HKMA explore e-HKD for after-hours margin payments

Alongside the planned extension, HKEX is working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on a pilot project exploring the use of e-HKD to support advance margin deposits outside regular banking hours.

The initiative aims to give market participants greater payment flexibility during after-hours trading.

HKEX and the HKMA previously announced the joint pilot to explore a digital payment solution for the derivatives market’s night session.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by starmultikharisma via Magnific