Hong Kong's initial public offering fundraising total could grow to HK$320 billion next year, Ernst & Young said, with the number of new listings expected to climb to 180.
The projection follows a surge in the city's IPO activity this year, which is on track for over 100 listings raising a combined HK$280 billion, representing annual increases of 43 percent and 218 percent respectively.
EY said the robust pipeline is driven by returning international capital, China's economic upgrade and transformation, regulatory support for listings from the mainland, and enhancements to Hong Kong's own listing rules.
The firm noted that over 300 companies have currently applied to list in the city, including many large enterprises and those seeking A+H share structures or spin-off listings.
EY also cautioned, however, that a wave of post-IPO share lock-up expiries in the second half of next year would test market liquidity and could potentially impact the performance of new listings.
