On 10 April 2014, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) made a Joint Announcement (“Joint Announcement”) regarding the in-principle approval for the development of Shanghai Connect for the establishment of mutual stock market access between Mainland China and Hong Kong.

Under the Stock Connect, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) / Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) established mutual order-routing connectivity and related technical infrastructure to enable investors of their respective market to trade designated equity securities listed in the other’s market. Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC) and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (ChinaClear) are responsible for the clearing, settlement and the provision of depository, nominee and other related services of the trades executed by their respective market participants and/or investors. 

Shanghai and Shenzhen Connect is a ground-breaking initiative with significance to both Hong Kong and the Mainland. It creates for the first time a feasible, controllable and expandable channel for cross-boundary RMB flow by a broad range of investors, paving the way for further opening up of China’s capital account and RMB internationalisation. 

Following the successful launch of Shanghai Connect on 17 November 2014, Shenzhen Connect will be launched on 5 December 2016.