The Chief Executive has approved Laura Cha's appointment as Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Chairman with immediate effect, the Financial Services & the Treasury announced today.

The approval was made under the Securities & Futures Ordinance.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said: "We are confident that with Mrs Cha's leadership, HKEX will strive to further enhance our market quality and competitiveness, and strengthen our position as the premier capital raising and risk management platform in the region."

Mrs Cha was also appointed by Mr Chan as HKEX Board Director in February for two years.