Guernsey has been approved as an “Acceptable Overseas Jurisdiction” by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the “HKEx”). 

This means that a Guernsey company wishing to list its shares on the HKEx is now able to follow a streamlined listing process.

The application for approval of Guernsey as an “Acceptable Overseas Jurisdiction” was made by the States of Guernsey, with an Ogier team in Guernsey (led by partner, Caroline Chan) providing legal input and assistance on a pro bono basis.

Guernsey companies have been used (or been approved) to list on a number of major international stock exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange (i.e. the main market, the Alternative Investment Market and the Specialist Funds Market), the Australian Securities Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.  

The HKEx is one of the largest and most successful stock markets in the world. 

Hong Kong’s close trading and business links to other Asian economies, coupled with the HKEx’s ability to access capital in the Asia region, offer attractive opportunities to businesses already operating in Asia or considering establishing or developing a presence in the region.  A listing on the HKEx also provides significant investor reach for those wishing to target Asian investors. 

Caroline Chan, a Guernsey-based partner of Ogier, said: "We’re delighted to have been able to assist the Commerce & Employment Department of the States of Guernsey on this project. By obtaining approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to list Guernsey companies, our finance industry will be able to continue to build on the work being undertaken in the Asia region to raise Guernsey's profile and develop new sources of business and opportunities."

Ogier is able to provide Guernsey legal advice, in the Asian time zone, through Marcus Leese, a partner and Guernsey advocate, who is based in Ogier’s Hong Kong office.