Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKG:0388, HKG:80388), or HKEX, has adopted new listing rule reforms aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the city's capital markets, following strong support from a market consultation, according to a Friday press release.

The exchange received 73 submissions on the proposals and said the new rules, which took effect immediately, were adopted with minor modifications and clarifications.

The reforms lower financial eligibility thresholds for companies seeking weighted voting rights structures and ease secondary listing requirements for overseas-listed issuers.

They also expand confidential filing to all new listing applicants and allow broader use of U.S. GAAP by eligible issuers.