At present, the preparation for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect has already been completed, so the launch is coming later than expected, said Cui Wei, head of China Strategic Analysis for Global Research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He predicted that the delay may be associated with various reasons, but it is hard to say whether it is related to the Occupy China event in Hong Kong.

He further pointed out that since there is no material reason for a prolonged delay, the program is expected to commence within the year.