SHANGHAI: Bank of East Asia (BEA), the fifth largest lender in Hong Kong, said it is planning to list on the mainland A-share market.

Brian Li, deputy chief executive of BEA, said on Tuesday that the bank may consider a Shanghai listing as early as next year, but did not provide any further details.

"We have always been following the issue, and are in constant touch with the regulators on the necessary criteria (for the possible listing)," said Li while attending the opening ceremony of East Asia Securities in Taipei.