Tighter scrutiny of Hong Kong IPOs could slow deal flow, analysts say

CSRC and SFC wake-up calls to bankers and other intermediaries indicate emphasis on quality over quantity amid fervour for listings

Securities regulators in Hong Kong and mainland China are doubling down on efforts to raise the quality of Hong Kong initial public offerings (IPOs), which could slow the flow of new listings but would not reduce underlying demand, according to analysts.

In an unusual move, the China Securities Regulatory Commission recently asked nine mainland companies, which had already been pre-approved for listings, to provide supplementary materials detailing fund usage, shareholding structures and pending litigation.