On April 8, 2020, AMTD International Inc. (“AMTD International”) (NYSE: HKIB; SGX: HKB), a subsidiary of AMTD Group, a leading comprehensive financial services conglomerate in Asia, announced its secondary listing on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) under the stock ticker “HKB”.
AMTD International’s listing also marks SGX first listing ceremony that is done digitally.
The company has become the first company dual listed on the NYSE and SGX-ST, and also the first company with “dual class shares structure” to list in Singapore.
AMTD International currently represents the largest financial institution domiciled in China and Hong Kong listed on the SGX-ST, as measured by market capitalization. As of today’s market close, AMTD International’s closing price today is SGD16 per ordinary share, with a market capitalization of SGD3.9 billion.
The group has also successfully secured a virtual banking license in Hong Kong, its virtual bank, Airstar is currently in its beta phase. Simultaneously the group is also eyeing to secure digital banking licenses in Singapore and Malaysia.
Calvin Choi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMTD International, said,
“Listing on the SGX marks another milestone of AMTD International and AMTD Group. AMTD, being the number one independent investment bank in Asia, sees enormous opportunities in the ASEAN region with Singapore as its hub and regional headquarters. AMTD is committed to embracing Southeast Asian capital markets in particular by listing on the SGX to connect more capable companies with global investors through Singapore and other Southeast Asian markets.
We will leverage on Singapore’s dynamic capital market, energetic new economy sectors and diverse talent pool to create supreme connectivity between Singapore, Southeast Asia, the Greater Bay Area and the rest of China. Most importantly, we are committed to bringing into Singapore our SpiderNet ecosystem, expertise in capital markets and connectivity in the new economy sector to empower local entrepreneurs, support their innovations and developments and connect them with capital markets.”
The listing of AMTD International on the SGX-ST marks a series of historical milestones, including:
- The first company ever to be dual listed on the NYSE and SGX;
- The first company featuring dual-class voting structure listed on the SGX;
- The largest financial institution domiciled in China and Hong Kong listed on the SGX as measured by market capitalization;
- The first Hong Kong financial institution listed on the SGX;
- The largest company in terms of market capitalization to list in Singapore this year; and
- The first company to have a digital listing ceremony.
As a landmark transaction in history, the SGX held a global live broadcast of the “Digital Listing Ceremony” for the listing of AMTD International. Mr. Chew Sutat, Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Sales and Origination at SGX, and Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), delivered speeches.
Mr. Chew welcomed AMTD International as the first company with a dual class share structure and the first NYSE-listed company to list on the SGX. He said,
“The SGX looks forward to working closely with AMTD International, its stakeholders and partners to further promote the region’s capital markets and connect more companies and investors in Asia and beyond.”
Mr. Mohanty expressed appreciation on Calvin Choi’s remarkable efforts and continuous engagement for the last few years on helping the Fintech sector and startup ecosystem of Singapore. He said,
“We sincerely believe AMTD International’s digital aspirations will find its success by being part of the Fintech growth in Singapore and is well-positioned to connect not only with the ASEAN market but also with the broader global ecosystems.”
Featured image: Calvin Choi and Mr. Chew Sutat, Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Sales and Origination at SGX