Shanghai, HK stock program will offer flexibility

Investors participating in the upcoming Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program are expected to have more flexibility in trading than under previous rules, according to a set of revised regulations published by the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Friday.

Detailed risk-control measures for the stock connect program were also announced.

"We have to consider cross-border risk controls and strengthen regulations to ensure smooth transactions," said a spokesman for the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Friday.

According to the new rules, restrictions on margin trading and short selling have been relaxed for overseas investors keen on purchasing Shanghai-listed A shares.

But such purchases need to be restricted to the shares that qualify for short selling and margin trading under the current regulations at the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, the revised regulations also indicated that detailed rules on margin trading and short sales for mainland investors interested in Hong Kong-listed companies would be announced later. Such a facility will help mainland investors to enjoy the trading rights in south-bound trading too.

Besides, the statement also supports placement of new shares through the connect, in principle.

North-bound investors can participate in share placements of Shanghai-listed stocks with Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co Ltd acting as the nominee.

South-bound investors who want to take part in share placements and public offerings in Hong Kong need to act in compliance with regulations on the mainland.

The statement pointed out that as the nominee, the HKSCC can exercise shareholders' rights on behalf of the north-bound investors. Details of how the HKSCC can vote at shareholder meetings of Shanghai-listed companies will be published by the Shanghai bourse later.

Meanwhile, a China Securities Regulatory Commission spokesman, Deng Ge, said on Friday that a team from the industry watchdog led by Chairman Xiao Gang inspected the Shanghai Stock Exchange, China Securities Depository and Clearing Corp Ltd earlier this week for the cross-border trade pilot scheme.

"The result shows that the business schemes of various parties are mature and the related regulations have been formulated. The technology system preparation is ready and other work pertaining to the program would be taken up after the National Day holidays," Deng said.

Reuters reported on Friday that the stock connect is likely to be launched on Oct 27. According the report, senior management at the HKEx, as well as the market participant relations department, said the exchange had tentatively scheduled the launch of the link for the last Monday in October.