Hong Kong is poised to remain the world's top three IPO fundraising hubs in 2026 as the city's listing momentum continues, PwC estimates.

A total of 119 companies raised more than HK$285.8 billion on the Hong Kong stock exchange last year, according to PwC's data on Monday.

That turns out to be more than a twofold increase than that in 2024.

Companies in retail, consumer goods and services dominated the mainboard with around a third of total industry distribution, followed by information technology and telecommunications services, and healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

The strong performance last year put the city's bourse, which finished fifth in 2024, at the forefront of the world's IPO markets.

The global advisory firm predicted that the trend would continue this year with around 150 companies expected to list in Hong Kong, raising between HK$320 billion and HK$350 billion.

"Despite uncertainties in the global geopolitical landscape, the demand for international financing by Chinese enterprises and investors' interest in high-quality Chinese companies remain strong," said Eddie Wong, PwC Hong Kong Capital Markets Leader.

New-economy companies, which are listed under the city's pre-revenue biotech, or 18A, and specialist technology IPO regimes, 18C, will still be the focus of listings in 2026, according to PwC.

Meanwhile, more retail, consumer goods and services companies are also projected to be listed in Hong Kong this year, benefiting from Beijing's push for domestic demand, PwC said.