The government yesterday announced the appointment of former Hang Seng Bank chief executive Margaret Leung Ko May-yee as a director of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, as it seeks to break up its “boys club” image.

The bourse, which operates the local stock and futures markets, has 13 directors, including chief executive Charles Li Xiaojia. Six are elected by shareholders and the rest are appointed by the government.

At present, all HKEx directors are male, putting it among the 40 per cent of locally listed companies with no women on their boards.