The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), one of the world’s prominent financial markets, has an intriguing history dating back to the late 19th century. However, its modern incarnation was established on November 26, 1990, following China’s significant economic reform and opening-up initiative.

The establishment of the SSE was a notable achievement in China’s ambitious economic modernization. It marked a shift from a planned economy to a mixed market economy, giving enterprises a platform to raise capital and investors to participate in China’s economic growth.

The initial years of SSE were characterized by extraordinary volatility. The regulatory framework was undeveloped, and market speculation was rife. This led to the market’s boom and bust cycle in 1992, known as the ‘Shanghai Stock Incident’, where shares listed on the SSE skyrocketed, only to crash significantly later.

Post-incident, the Chinese government recognized the need for more stringent regulations. It introduced the ‘Securities Law of the People’s Republic of China’ in 1998, providing a legal basis for the operation, supervision, and management of the securities market.

In 2001, China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) was a watershed moment for the SSE. It boosted foreign interest in China’s domestic markets and led to the introduction of Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFII) program in 2002, enabling selected foreign institutions to trade in China’s mainland stock markets.

Over the years, the SSE has introduced several market reforms to enhance transparency and international competitiveness. It established the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Board in 2004 and the Growth Enterprises Market (GEM) Board in 2009, aimed at providing funding opportunities for SMEs and start-ups.

Moreover, in 2018, the SSE launched the Shanghai-London Stock Connect, connecting the SSE and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). It enables companies from each country to list and trade depositary receipts on the other’s exchange, fostering global investment.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the SSE has evolved into a critical component of the global financial ecosystem. It now hosts some of the world’s largest companies and is a testament to the impressive growth of China’s economy.

As we look towards the future, the SSE is expected to play a crucial role in China’s mission to integrate more deeply with the global economy. It will continue to adapt and innovate, reflecting the dynamism and resilience of the nation it represents.