Firms get ready for UK stock link

Huatai Securities, HSBC Holdings to set the tone for launch of platform in December

Huatai Securities and HSBC Holdings are expected to be the only two stocks to list and trade at the launch of the Shanghai-London Stock Connect in December, and investors may have to wait for months to invest in other stocks planning to do the same, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Many companies have expressed their interest in participating in the long-anticipated stock connect program, but "these two might be the only two stocks ready to list and trade right at the scheduled time of the link to kick off. Companies have been pressed for time", said the people who declined to be identified because they lack authority to speak to the media.