CPA Australia Proposes Capital Market Overhaul for Hong Kong

CPA Australia submitted a series of policy recommendations to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on August 13, 2026. The proposals are intended to guide the city's first Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address to strengthen long-term economic competitiveness.

The professional body recommends transforming Hong Kong into a comprehensive capital markets hub specializing in gold, digital assets, and carbon products. The proposal suggests evolving the financial sector from a traditional IPO fundraising center into a broader capital formation center to better manage international capital flows.

Additional recommendations focus on technological and environmental growth. The body proposes developing the Northern Metropolis as an innovation engine and implementing a Government-as-First-Customer procurement program to support local technology firms. To lead Asia's transition to a low-carbon economy, the proposals urge the government to build an ecosystem for sustainable finance and carbon trading while reviewing the tax system to maintain appeal for international investors.