HKEx sees yuan IPO applications in H2 this year

HONG KONG, June 22 (Reuters) - Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd (HKEx) , the world's most valuable exchange operator, expects companies to apply for yuan-denominated initial public offerings in the second half of this year as the offshore renminbi market grows rapidly.

Exchange Chief Executive Charles Li made the comments during a news conference on Wednesday.

HKEx is expected to launch a yuan liquidity pool called Trading Support Facility to help foster trading of yuan-denominated stocks in the secondary market by as early as September. (Reporting by Kelvin Soh and Michelle Chen; Editing by Chris Lewis)