HKEx is the holding company for The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Futures Exchange Limited and Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited. Users of IPC's Electronic Connectivity Services will now benefit from secure, high-speed access to a broad range of HKEx products and services including equity securities, ETFs and other market-making securities, as well as, key derivatives products such as Hang Seng Index futures and options.

As the world's largest listed exchange by market capitalisation, HKEx is one of the Asia Pacific region's key financial venues, and an increasingly important global player with an established multi-currency market infrastructure. HKEx is positioning for further growth as it prepares for the listing and trading of renminbi (RMB)-denominated transactions as the internationalisation of the Chinese currency gains traction. IPC's global network infrastructure is focused on supporting financial institutions' evolving connectivity requirements, and adding HKEx to the network will provide IPC's global community of over 4,000 on-net market participants with a direct low-latency connection.

"At HKEx our mission is to create and operate active international public financial markets in Hong Kong, invest in our IT infrastructure and third party connectivity is an important part of our strategy to enhance our global competitiveness," commented Charles Li, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited's Chief Executive. "2010 has proved a record year for HKEx and extending our global connectivity by working with major trading communications partners such as IPC will be crucial in bringing new trading partners to our venue, and positioning Hong Kong and HKEx as the ideal destination for international traders keen to take advantage of our connectivity within Asia."

"Adding connectivity to HKEx will provide a valuable addition to IPC's growing community of venues across the region," added Mark Curran, vice president,t, APAC Network Operations for IPC Systems. "With its distinctive blend of securities and derivatives markets, plus its programs to support the internationalisation of the Chinese currency, HKEx is well-placed to become a key destination for international investors."

The announcement is part of IPC's continued network connectivity expansion program across the Asia Pacific region. To support its Asia Pacific operations, IPC now has 12 offices across the region, providing sales, implementation, integration and support services for its trading floor communications solutions and enhanced services.