IPO activity to remain thin for the rest of the year

Irrespective of how the earlier part of the year has shaped up, by the end of October I am typically faced with a long list of companies rushing to complete their planned IPOs or fundraisings before business is wrapped up for the year.

The steady deal flow during the final few weeks of the year is encouraged by bankers who are keen for a last-minute boost to their deal count and revenues before it’s time to tally up their performance and contribution to the overall bank during the past 12 months.

Hong Kong tends to get particularly busy, sometimes to the extent that it is difficult...