Hong Kong

Emerging Prudential Risks

Private Credit Boom in APAC Prompts Fears of ‘Circular Risk’

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 18/05/2026

The boom is increasing banks’ indirect exposure to the same corporate borrowers they once financed directly.

Emerging Prudential Risks

IMF Urges Hong Kong to Bolster Fiscal Buffers and Financial Oversight

By Manesh Samtani | 18/05/2026

IMF Article IV mission endorsed the city’s near-term fiscal stance but called for medium-term revenue reforms and continued vigilance over property and corporate exposures.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Hong Kong Freezes HKD 8.9 Billion in Assets Linked to Prince Group Founder

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/05/2026

Hong Kong’s High Court has granted a restraining order against assets tied to alleged fraud, impacting numerous financial accounts.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Hong Kong Set to Launch Cross-Sector Misconduct Reference Checks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/05/2026

A new mandatory reference checking scheme between the banking and insurance sectors will launch in July to prevent individuals with misconduct histories from moving between firms.

Structural Regulation

HKMA Launches Digital Platform for Senior Management Approvals

By Editors | 13/05/2026

The new platform will streamline the appointment process for senior bank roles, with paper-based submissions to be discontinued from 1 October 2026.

PEPs & Sanctions

Report Calls on US to Designate Hong Kong a ‘Money Laundering Concern’

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

Report alleges Hong Kong is a key hub for Iranian sanctions evasion and calls for action against the city’s banking and crypto sectors.

FinCEN Alert Flags Use of HK, SG Firms in Iran Sanctions Evasion

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

New FinCEN alert details how Iran’s IRGC uses front companies, illicit oil sales, and digital assets to launder funds, highlighting specific red flags for FIs.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions More Hong Kong Firms Over Iran-China Oil Trade

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

OFAC has designated four Hong Kong-based companies and several others in the UAE and Oman for helping to finance Iran’s IRGC through oil sales to China.

Credit Risk

Hong Kong Banks Abandon Patient Approach to Tackle Bad Debt - Report

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/05/2026

Lenders are reportedly expanding specialist teams and forcing liquidations to manage a HKD 200 billion pile of soured commercial property loans.