Swiss investment bank Vontobel announced today (September 5) that it has been granted a full license by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited to provide securities and derivatives trading on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong as well as on the Futures Exchange of Hong Kong. At the same time Vontobel became a structured products issuer eligible for launching derivative warrants and callable bull and bear contracts (CBBC).

     To celebrate this milestone, Vontobel held the Exchange Participants Induction Ceremony today to mark the trading debut of its structured products in Hong Kong. Vontobel's Head of Financial Products Public Distribution, Mr Simon Yung, said it is also part of the company's expansion plan to use Hong Kong as a base to access the Mainland market and enhance its presence in the Asia region.

     Mr Yung said, "Hong Kong is the biggest market in the world for leverage products in terms of trading volume and the percentage of total market turnover. It has one of the most active and arguably most sophisticated retail investor bases, with a big appetite for leverage products. We have seen a lot of demand for such listed derivative products due to their low transaction fees, variety of exposures and access to liquidity.

     "This is an exciting time for us to participate in the Hong Kong market. We want to leverage the city’s advantages and huge investment opportunities to introduce our products to investors. We look forward to bringing more products to the city soon, including CBBC."

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng said, “Hong Kong as an international financial centre has advanced financial infrastructure and an effective regulatory regime. It also offers investment companies easy access to a large number of high net-worth individuals in the region. The city is the best place for Vontobel to promote its products and expand its clientele.”

About Vontobel

     Specialising in active asset management and tailor-made investment solutions, Vontobel aims to provides responsible and forward-looking advice with a mission to protect and build clients’ wealth. As of December 31, 2016, Vontobel held over Swiss Franc 195 billion of client assets. Around 1 700 employees worldwide provide first-rate, customised services for clients with an international focus. For more information, please visit www.vontobelwarrants.com.

About Invest Hong Kong

     Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For an event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157684844207812.

Ends/Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:52

NNNN