Hong Kong probes insider trading at HKEX and SFC

Hong Kong authorities are investigating insider trading allegations involving at least two employees from the city's stock exchange and securities regulator, as well as brokers and social media influencers, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

The investigation is reported to focus on whether staff at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (0388) and the Securities and Futures Commission leaked pending announcements – including those related to privatizations – concerning dozens of listed companies to traders and others over the past few years.

The inquiry has been ongoing for several months, though such probes can take years to complete and may not necessarily lead to charges.