Overview
Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX) provides international investors with regulated access to derivatives products, complying with global financial authorities' requirements. This guide covers key regulations and product eligibility for U.S., European, and Taiwanese investors.
U.S. Investors
Broad-Based Index Futures
CFTC Approval:
HKEX offers U.S.-qualified investors access to 36 approved equity index futures, including:
- Hang Seng Index Futures
- MSCI China A50 Connect (USD) Index Futures
- MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Ex-Japan Index Futures
Eligibility:
All U.S. investors may trade under CFTC’s No-Action Relief (expires May 1, 2025).
👉 Full list of CFTC-approved futures
Narrow-Based Index Futures
SEC Compliance:
Only qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) or non-U.S. persons may trade:
- MSCI India (USD) Index Futures
- MSCI Thailand Net Total Return Futures
Documentation:
Equity Options
SEC Exemption:
Approved options include:
- Hang Seng Index Options
- Weekly H-shares Index Options
Requirements:
- Broker-dealers must file compliance confirmations with HKEX.
European & UK Retail Investors
PRIIPs Regulation
Key Information Documents (KIDs) are mandatory for:
- Index Futures/Options
- Commodity Futures
Access KIDs:
| Product Type | EEA Link | UK Link |
|---|---|---|
| Long Call Options | EEA KID | UK KID |
| Futures Contracts | EEA KID | UK KID |
Taiwanese Investors
Eligible Products
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Index Derivatives | Hang Seng Tech Index Futures, MSCI Asia Ex-Japan Futures |
| Stock Futures | 6 single-stock futures |
| Forex | INR/USD Futures |
👉 Taiwan investor eligibility details
FAQs
Q: Can U.S. retail investors trade HKEX derivatives?
A: Only through CFTC-approved brokers for specific products.
Q: Are KIDs required for UK institutional investors?
A: No—only for retail clients under PRIIPs.
Q: How do Taiwanese brokers access HKEX products?
A: Via local futures merchants licensed by Taiwan’s FSC.
### Key Features
- **SEO Keywords**: Hong Kong Exchange derivatives, CFTC-approved futures, PRIIPs KID, Taiwan futures access