Lam OKs reappointment of Laura Cha as HKEX head

Cha was elected during a board meeting on 27 April.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has approved the reappointment of Laura Cha as the chairwoman of the financial market operator, Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited (HKEX), on 6 June.

Lam greenlighted the reappointment of Cha under the Securities & Futures Ordinance. Cha was elected to the post by directors at the board meeting on 27 April.

The Hong Kong government said HKEX will improve market quality and competitiveness as well as consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a global premier fundraising platform and risk management centre. 

Cha’s redesignation will coincide with her term of appointment as an HKEX board member to conclude at the end of the 2024 HKEX annual general meeting, the government also said.

Cha, the first female HKEX chairwoman, assumed the post in 2018. Prior to working with HKEX, Cha served at the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong from 1991 to 2000, where she became deputy chairwoman in 1998. 

She was also chairwoman of The Financial Services Development Council of Hong Kong from January 2013 to July 2018.