China releases final rules of Shanghai-HK stock link

China's Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) released the final set of detailed rules for the long awaited stock trading link between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong on Friday.

Most of the items in the set of draft rules for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect remained, but authorities deleted one that bans securities margin trading.

The SSE said the rules have fully taken into consideration factors of the market and international orientation, as well as strengthening supervision to prevent cross-border risks.

While the rules are set, preparation is still under way, said a source close to the matter from the SSE.

On April 10, securities watchdogs of both sides announced approval of the program operated by two bourses in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The SSE then sought public opinions on the rules from April 29 to May 16.

The program allows investors of the two sides to trade shares on each other's exchanges, which will promote internationalization of the yuan and development of Hong Kong as an offshore yuan business center.

The SSE did not unveil when the scheme would be officially launched, leaving market estimates, most of which favor the end of October, unconfirmed.

However, the authorities once said it will take approximately six months to prepare for the formal launch, accounting from April.