Deutsche Börse has connected the first Hong Kong-based broker to its Xetra cash equities trading platform as the German exchange continues efforts to build its presence in Asia.

The Hong Kong broker, Celestial Securities, a subsidiary of conglomerate Cash Financial Services Group, will be given direct access to Xetra and have the ability to trade from 14.00 to 02.00 Hong Kong time, allowing the firm to react to events in Europe after the Asian markets have closed.