AI-Related Firms Seek Faster Hong Kong IPOs Amid Rate-Hike Concerns, KPMG Says

Companies are looking to list in Hong Kong as soon as possible amid a recent sharp pullback in the Hang Seng Index, worries that U.S. interest rates may rise rather than fall, and a high number of IPO applicants in the queue, according to Ming Pao. Joey Chu, partner and head of New Economy and Life Sciences at KPMG China Hong Kong, said concerns over rate hikes could weigh on IPO valuations. Based on cases KPMG has been involved with, she said companies generally want to complete listings quickly, and AI-related firms may seek to go public while the AI investment theme remains in focus.