Jasmine Birtles
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How to Invest in the Hong Kong Stock Market in 2025
Ruby Layram
11th Jun 2025
Ever fancied investing in one of Asia’s biggest financial hubs without hopping on a 12-hour flight? Well, you’re in luck. The Hong Kong stock market is one of the most dynamic in the world, and yes, UK investors can get involved.
Whether you’re curious about Chinese tech giants, want to diversify your portfolio, or you’re just a bit bored of FTSE 100 stocks, here’s your no-nonsense guide to investing in the Hong Kong stock market in 2025.
Why Invest in Hong Kong?
Here’s the short version:
- It’s home to over 2,000 listed companies, including Chinese heavyweights like Tencent, Alibaba, and BYD
- The market is internationally friendly, well-regulated, and liquid
- You get exposure to the Asian economy without investing directly in mainland China
- It’s a great way to diversify your investments beyond the UK and US
But how do you actually get started? Let’s walk through it, step by step.
Step-by-Step: How to Invest in the Hong Kong Stock Market from the UK
Here is an overviewof how to invest in Hong Kong from the comfort of the UK.
Step 1: Choose a Broker That Gives Access to Hong Kong Stocks
Not all UK brokers offer access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), but some global platforms do.
Some of the best investment platforms to consider include:
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Saxo Markets
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IG Group
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DEGIRO (with limitations)
These platforms let you buy stocks listed directly on the HKEX, usually under the prefix HK: [stock code].
Tip: Some US-listed ADRs (American Depositary Receipts) represent Hong Kong companies, but they don’t always perform the same way as the original shares. If you want the real deal, go straight to the HKEX.
Step 2: Fund Your Account (and Watch the Currency)
Most Hong Kong stocks are traded in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). When you invest, your broker will convert your pounds into HKD, and usually take a currency fee.
Keep an eye on:
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Foreign exchange fees
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Minimum deposit requirements
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International trading commissions (they’re often higher than UK stock fees)
Pro tip: Don’t invest just to “play” with FX, unless you know what you’re doing, currency shifts can eat into your returns.
Step 3: Choose What to Invest In
Now for the fun part, picking your stocks!
Here are a few well-known names listed on the HKEX:
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Tencent Holdings (0700.HK): One of the world’s biggest tech firms (they own WeChat and a huge stake in gaming)
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Alibaba Group (9988.HK): Chinese e-commerce giant (listed in both New York and Hong Kong)
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BYD Company (1211.HK): Electric vehicle firm backed by Warren Buffett
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HSBC Holdings (0005.HK): Yes, the same bank! It’s dual-listed in the UK and Hong Kong
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China Mobile (0941.HK): One of the largest telecom companies in Asia
Don’t fancy picking individual stocks? Look at ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) that track the Hong Kong or broader Asia markets.
See: The Best China ETFs
Popular options include:
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iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF
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Hang Seng Index ETF
Some are listed in the US or UK but give you indirect exposure to Hong Kong stocks.
Step 4: Make the Trade
Once you’ve chosen a stock or ETF, place your order through your broker.
You’ll usually be asked to:
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Enter the stock code
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Choose a market or limit order
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Confirm number of shares
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Check the exchange rate and fees
Then hit buy, and boom, you’re in!
Step 5: Keep an Eye on Your Investment
Hong Kong markets can be more volatile than the UK, especially with economic shifts in China. Stay informed by following:
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HKEX announcements
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Asia-focused financial news
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Quarterly earnings of the companies you’ve invested in
Don’t panic at every wobble, but make sure you’re aware of the risks and rewards that come with investing in international markets.
What About Tax?
Unlike the UK, Hong Kong doesn’t charge capital gains tax or dividend tax, so that’s a win!
BUT…
If you’re a UK resident, HMRC still wants its cut.
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Declare any capital gains on your UK self-assessment
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Foreign dividends may be taxable, depending on your total income
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Use a Stocks & Shares ISA where possible to shelter UK-based investments, though international stocks don’t always qualify
For larger investments, speak to a financial adviser or accountant to keep things squeaky clean.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong offers a fascinating gateway into the Asian economy, and with tech, finance, and infrastructure giants galore, it’s full of long-term potential.
But like any international market, it comes with a bit more risk. The key is to:
✔️ Use a reliable broker
✔️ Understand the currency and fees
✔️ Diversify (don’t throw all your savings into one market!)
✔️ Keep learning as you go
If you’re keen to keep on top of the latest investing news why not sign up to our fortnightly MoneyMagpie Investing Newsletter? It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. Companies listed above are not necessarily endorsed by Money Magpie. When investing your capital is at risk.
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