Hong Kong’s securities brokers post strong earnings growth in first half of 2026

On 6 October 2026, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) released its half-year financial review, revealing that Hong Kong’s securities industry posted a 21% half-on-half rise in pre-tax net profit to HK$51.7 billion in H1 2026. Driven by robust market activity, total transaction value surged 24% to a record HK$149.0 trillion, and active clients grew 10% to 5.7 million. Trading commission and interest income rose 13%, offsetting a 21% decline in asset management fee income caused by timing differences in performance fee recognition. A 2% drop in overall overheads and interest expenses further lifted profitability. SEHK participants’ total net profit increased 20%, with medium-sized Category B brokerages leading the growth with a 37% profit jump, outperforming Category C firms (24% growth), while large Category A brokerages saw a mild profit decline.