Want to list in Hong Kong? Singapore firms need deeper pockets

Small-cap companies fall short when it comes to costs and stamina in the listing game

The case for listing in Hong Kong is a strong one: its share market has overtaken Japan to become the world's third largest in terms of value.
The case for listing in Hong Kong is a strong one: its share market has overtaken Japan to become the world's third largest in terms of value. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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An increasing number of smaller Singapore firms have had their listing applications thrown out by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the past six months amid a more ruthless vetting process.

The rejections raise suggestions that the companies are just not competitive enough compared to other applicants, or that they do not have a compelling enough story for the bourse operator to want them.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 12, 2019, with the headline Want to list in Hong Kong? Singapore firms need deeper pockets. Subscribe