Hong Kong Issues 53% More IPO Banker Licenses to Ease Shortage

Hong Kong issued 53% more permits for bankers specializing in initial public offerings last month, signaling a tentative recovery even as the regulator maintains a high bar for industry entry.

The Securities and Futures Commission granted 43 new licenses to advise on corporate finance in March, up from a low in February, according to official data. Despite the rebound, the figures remain well below the historical average of more than 100 a month, a pace seen before the watchdog issued warnings to the industry over substandard IPO application work.