The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has published a consultation paper seeking market feedback on proposed listing reforms to the GEM.
It is the third proposed reform to the GEM since it was launched in November 1999i.
In this latest consultation paper released on 26 September 2023, HKEX chose not to embark on a holistic review considering the GEM’s positioning, market perception and viability as an alternative market to the Main Board, as HKEX stated it would in May 2021ii.
Instead, HKEX merely reiterated its commitment to small and/or medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). Encouraging and facilitating their listing will continue to be its priority.
Three key proposals are made:
- A new alternative eligibility test targeting high growth enterprises that are heavily engaged in research and development (R&D) activities.
- A new streamlined transfer mechanism to enable qualified GEM issuers to transfer to the Main Board without needing to appoint a sponsor to carry out due diligence, nor produce a “prospectus-standard” listing document.
- The removal of mandatory quarterly reporting requirements and alignment of other ongoing obligations with those of the Main Board.
Details of the key proposals (highlighted) are set out below in tabular form, in comparison to GEM’s existing requirements and those of Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) and Catalist of Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX).
Note that BSE was launched in November 2021 as a fundraising platform serving innovative Mainland SMEs; and Catalist was launched in November 2007 to cater for the fundraising needs of fast growing companies.
Financial Eligibility Requirements
| Market | HKEX - GEM | BSEnote 1 | SGX | ||
| Existing Requirement | New Alternative Eligibility Test | Standard I | Standard III | Catalist | |
| Market Capitalisation |
≥HK$150M |
≥HK$250M | ≥RMB200M | ≥RMB800M | Nil |
| Cash Flow | ≥HK$30M (in aggregate for last two financial years) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Revenue | Nil | ≥HK$100M (in aggregate for last two financial years) | Nil | ≥RMB200M (for the last financial year) | Nil |
| R&D Expenditure |
Nil
|
≥HK$30M (in aggregate for last two financial years) + 15% total operating cost (for each of the two years) |
Nil |
≥8% of total revenue (for last two financial years) | Nil |
| Net Profit | Nil | Nil |
≥RMB15M and return on equity ≥8% (both for last two financial years)
|
Nil | Nil |
| Net Assets |
Nil |
Nil | ≥RMB50M | ≥RMB50M | Nil |
| Working Capital Sufficiency | 12 months from date of listing document | Nil | 12 months after listing | ||
| Trading Record | 2 years | 12 months | Nil | ||
| Ownership Continuity | Throughout latest full financial year up to listing | Nil | Nil | ||
| Management Continuity | Throughout latest 2 full financial years up to listing | Nil | Nil | ||
| Public Float | ≥25% or ≥15% (if market cap > HK$10 billion) | ≥25% or ≥10% (if capital stock > RMB400M) | ≥15% | ||
note 1: The BSE offers a choice of 4 initial listing standards with different minimum market cap requirement: I - RMB200M, II - RMB400M, III - RMB800M; and IV - RMB1.5 billion. Instead of setting out all 4 standards, only standard I and III are used for comparison purpose.
Mechanism for Transfer to Mainboard
| GEM – Existing Requirements | GEM - New Streamlined Transfer Mechanism | BSE | SGX Catalist | |
| Eligibility Requirements |
Must meet all qualifications for listing on the Main Board, plus
|
Must meet all qualifications for listing on the Main Board, plus
NO need to appoint sponsor nor issue a “prospectus – standard” listing document |
Must meet relevant financial eligibility requirements of Shenzhen ChiNext or Shanghai STAR Board | Must meet main board financial eligibility requirements |
| Track Record of Listing | One full financial year after GEM listing | Three full financial years as a GEM issuer prior to transfer | One year | Two years |
note 2: HKEX is seeking views on which amount (HK$50,000 or HK$100,000*) is preferred.
note 3: ‘Reference Period’ means the 250 trading days immediately preceding the transfer application and until the commencement of dealings on the Main Board.
Other Proposed Reforms
| GEM – Existing Requirements | GEM -Proposed Reforms | BSE | SGX Catalist | |
| Post-IPO Lock Up for Controlling Shareholders |
24 months
|
12 months | 12 months (two full years for pre-profit issuer) | 12 months |
| Periodic Reporting | Quarterly, interim and annual reporting | Interim and annual reporting only | Quarterly, interim and annual reporting | Interim and annual reporting |
| One Executive Director to Act as Compliance Officer | At all times | No longer required | Nil | Nil |
| Appointment of Compliance Adviser (CA)/Sponsor | Must retain CA until publication of its results for the second full financial year after listing | Must retain CA until publication of annual report for first full financial year | Must retain sponsor until end of third full year | Must retain sponsor at all times |
i The proposals set out in the Consultation Paper represent the third major reform to GEM since it was launched in November 1999:
- It first operated as an alternative market to the Main Board on an “enhanced disclosure – buyer beware” regime. Then came the bursting of the “dot.com” bubble.
- In July 2008, GEM was re-positioned as a “stepping stone” to the Main Board with rules amended to align with those of the Main Board. A streamlined transfer mechanism was set up, which was yet found to have been heavily exploited by lower quality companies to gain easier access to the Main Board via GEM.
- In February 2018, GEM was re-positioned as a “stand-alone board” for SMEs with its name “Growth Enterprise Market” changed to "GEM". The 2008 streamlined transfer mechanism was abolished.
- Since 2019, the number of new listings and funds raised on GEM have significantly declined. In 2022 no new issuers listed on GEM and existing listed issuers raised only HK$2.7 billion in funds.
ii In May 2021, there were market comments that GEM was no longer a viable listing platform for SMEs and traditional companies and HKEX stated that it would launch a review of GEM to consider, amongst other things, comments received regarding GEM’s positioning, market perception, and viability as an alternative to the Main Board.
