Hong Kong's SFC explores cross-listings of ETFs with Saudi Arabia

Cross was most recently chief financial officer at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing.

The ETF, launched with BOCHK Asset Management, will track the iBoxx Tadawul Government & Agencies Sukuk Index; global sukuk issuance neared $200bn in 2024.

FinanceAsia caught up with HSBC’s Christina Ma to discuss how increasing investment connectivity between Asia and the Middle East is reshaping traditional capital markets and paving the way for the expanded use of private capital.

The planned launch of the office in 2025 comes as the Saudi Exchange starts hosting the first ETFs tracking Hong Kong funds.

The benchmark will track the performance of 100 of the largest Hong Kong-listed companies across six themes. In another move, China's E Fund Management is set to launch an ETF for the index.

James Garforth joins the asset manager as principal, Asia direct lending, from BGH Capital.