A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and a former lawmaker who are wanted by the city’s authorities have been granted asylum in Great Britain and Australia, respectively.

Ex-lawmaker Ted Hui and pro-independence activist Tony Chung have received asylum in Australia and UK, respectively.

The Wedding Planner Hong Kong has announced an expansion of its operational capabilities and service offerings, strengthening its role as a multidisciplinary event planner serving both private and corporate clients.

Hong Kong's stock exchange operator said on Wednesday its first half profit rose almost 40% to a record HK$8.52 billion ($1.09 billion), driven by a sharp increase in daily stock trading and a revived listings market.

The city’s exchange operator reported record profit and revenue as bullish market sentiment boosted trading.

Shein is reportedly considering moving its headquarters back to China in a bid to facilitate its Hong Kong initial public offering plans.

Alibaba-backed smart cockpit solutions company Banma Network Technology is planning an initial public offering in Hong Kong, adding to the city's busy deal pipeline. Alibaba said Thursday that it holds a 44.72% stake in Banma with equity method accounting. It expects to retain more than 30% of the company after the listing.

Hong Kong has recorded its first case of Japanese encephalitis in six years after a 49-year-old woman was diagnosed with the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease upon returning from the Philippines.