Share this article
Hong Kong Stock Exchange Considers Blockchain Settlement Upgrades
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is looking to blockchain as it begins work on a next-generation transaction settlement system.
By Stan Higgins
Updated Sep 11, 2021, 1:01 p.m. Published Jan 20, 2017, 7:35 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) is looking to blockchain as it begins work on a next-generation transaction settlement system.
The disclosure came during comments given by SEHK chief executive Charles Li, who spoke during a media luncheon earlier today.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
In response to a question about market infrastructure changes, Li said that, in addition to retooling its trading platforms, SEHK is weighing options for upgrading its post-trade systems as well. He mapped out a three-to-four year roadmap during which the exchange would seek to both cut costs and reduce risk across the its operations.
As part of that process, SEHK is considering blockchain for possible use.
Li explained to luncheon attendees:
“In 2016 we started to look at the role new technologies (such as cloud computing and distributed ledger) can play in our future development and this will continue in 2017 when we will determine our NextGen roadmap.”
SEHK has been holding exploratory conversations with exchange operator Nasdaq since as early as October, according to the South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong’s central bank has also been testing the tech, noting in a November white paper that blockchain “carries enormous potential”.
Image Credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock, Inc.
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
How a 'perpetual’ stock trick could solve Michael Saylor’s $8 billion debt problem
The bitcoin treasury firm is using perpetual preferreds to retire convertibles, offering a potential framework for managing long-dated leverage.
What to know:
- Strive upsized its SATA follow on offering beyond $150 million, pricing the perpetual preferred at $90.
- The structure offers a blueprint for replacing fixed maturity convertibles with perpetual equity capital that removes refinancing risk.
- Strategy has a $3 billion convertible tranche due in June 2028 with a $672.40 conversion price, which could be addressed using a similar preferred equity approach.
Top Stories
