Our Services under Severe Weather Trading Arrangement

Effective from 23 September 2024, HKEX will implement severe weather trading (“SWT”) arrangements in the securities and derivatives markets. These arrangements will be applicable during an issuance of Typhoon Signal No.8 or above, or a Black Rainstorm Warning by the Hong Kong Observatory, or an announcement of "Extreme Conditions" by the HKSAR Government. Under SWT arrangements, Hong Kong’s securities and derivatives markets, including Stock Connect, derivatives holiday trading, and after-hours trading will remain open and operational during severe weather conditions, without any delayed market opening or suspension of trading. 

Frequently asked questions：

1. Q: What is the scope of operations of the securities and derivatives market at HKEX during severe weather conditions?

A: Hong Kong’s securities and listed derivatives markets, including Northbound and Southbound Trading under Stock Connect, derivatives holiday trading, and after-hours trading, will continue as normal during severe weather conditions. The trading, listing, clearing and settlement functions of these markets will remain operational as well.

2. Q: During SWT Days, how are services provided by CITIC Securities Brokerage (Hong Kong)? Are there any unavailable or affected services?

A: During SWT days, in order to ensure the smooth operation of trading and the safety of our employees, our services will be conducted in a fully digital and remote manner. We will strive to maintain a level of service similar to that of regular trading days whenever feasible. All systems and applications for online trading services, customer service emails and hotline support, and trading settlement services will continue to operate as usual. However, our branches will not be opened to the public on SWT days, and some services may be temporarily suspended or postponed until regular trading days, subject to the limitations imposed by severe weather conditions. Please refer to the details below:

3. Q: Will settlement and margin calls be conducted as usual during SWT days?

A: Yes, securities settlement and margin calls will proceed as usual under SWT arrangements. Investors should monitor their account status and ensure they have sufficient funds to fulfill settlement and margin calls obligations. In the event of market volatility on SWT days, investors should make early preparations for potential margin calls and ensure they have appropriate and adequate channels to fulfill payment obligations. We encourage clients to use electronic fund transfer methods (such as " Faster Payment System "FPS," and electronic direct debit authorization "eDDA") to deposit funds. We advise customers to make adequate financial arrangements and pay attention to our operational procedures on SWT days.

4. Q: What should customers pay attention to or prepare for regarding the implementation of severe weather trading arrangements?

A: The following are the preparations recommended:

• Be familiarized with the use of our trading platforms and deposit methods (if necessary);

• Margin investors may deposit sufficient funds to your securities/futures/option account in advance to avoid margin calls and the risk of forced liquidation(if necessary); 

• Be familiarized with the use of your Internet banking, Mobile banking, or Phone banking services; Regularly check your account status and your login password; Make sure your third-party transfer limits via electronic channels are adjusted to a suitable level (if necessary);

• Inquire with your bank or relevant service provider about the services they offer on severe weather conditions days (if necessary).