The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) was founded on Nov. 26th, 1990, and in operation on Dec.19th of the same year. It is a non-profit membership institution directly governed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The SSE bases its development on the principle of "legislation, supervision, self-regulation and standardization" to create a transparent, open, safe and efficient marketplace. The SSE endeavors to realize a variety of functions: providing marketplace and facilities for the securities trading; formulating business rules; accepting and arranging listings; organizing and monitoring securities trading; regulating members and listed companies; managing and disseminating market information.

After years' operation, the SSE has become the most preeminent stock market in Mainland China in terms of number of listed companies, number of shares listed, total market value, tradable market value, securities turnover in value, stock turnover in value and the T-bond turnover in value. Up to the end of 2007, SSE boasted 1130 listed securities and 860 listed companies, with a combined market capitalization of RMB 26.6 trillion and 144 member companies. A large number of companies from key industries, infrastructure and high-tech sectors have not only raised capital, but also improved their operation mechanism through listing on the Shanghai stock exchange.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange Building