Stock exchange operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has seen its profits fall for the first time in six years as it announced a reduction in dividend payments.

Figures released by HKEX show profit attributable to shareholders for 2022 was HK$10 billion, 20 per cent lower than the record figure achieved in 2021.

The second interim dividend per share was reduced by 12 per cent to HK$3.69.

"The volatile macro environment during 2022 continued to impact trading and volumes across global markets, and Hong Kong was no exception," HKEX chairwoman Laura Cha said in a statement..

"However, market sentiment began to improve in the fourth quarter, resulting in a strong end to the year for HKEX."

CEO Nicolas Aguzin pointed to the fact that a quarter of last year's initial public offerings took place in December alone, though he expected the "broader challenges" of 2022 to persist this year, including inflation, geopolitical tension and economic malaise.

The final profit beat an average forecast of HK$9.92 billion, according to Refinitiv. (Additional reporting by Reuters)