Hong Kong

Enforcement

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Mazars, Grant Thornton for Audit Archiving Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The firms were sanctioned for widespread and systemic breaches of the 60-day audit file archive requirement and related quality control deficiencies.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong, Macao Regulators Sign Revised Cooperation Pact

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The agreement between the HKMA and AMCM expands collaboration beyond banking supervision to include financial infrastructure linkage and information exchange within the GBA.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Chairman Urges Focus on Listing 'Quality' Over 'Quantity'

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2026

Kelvin Wong says long-term market health depends on quality listings and products, not just turnover and fundraising size.

Securities / Derivatives

ISDA Urges Hong Kong to Widen Exemptions from Clearing Mandate

By Manesh Samtani | 04/03/2026

Responding to an SFC-HKMA consultation, ISDA said it supports permanent calculation periods for clearing but urges the regulators to expand the scope of exemptions.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Confirms Tax Overhaul Plan for Funds and Family Offices

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2026

The plan expands eligible assets to include digital assets and private credit, while introducing new economic substance requirements for funds seeking exemptions.

Fintech / Regtech

WeChat Pay Becomes First Wallet on New 'Payment Connect' System

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2026

The Tencent-owned wallet has partnered with HSBC to offer real-time, fee-free remittances, connecting Hong Kong's FPS with the mainland's IBPS.

Hong Kong MPFA to Explore Gold ETF Investment for MPF

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2026

The move aligns with a government push to develop the city as a gold trading hub, the MPFA chairwoman told legislators.

Hong Kong Investment Visa Scheme Draws HK$95 Billion in Applications

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2026

The residency programme has attracted nearly 3,200 applicants in two years, prompting officials to ease rules to provide investors with greater flexibility.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Embeds Resolution Readiness Into Bank Authorisation Criteria

By Manesh Samtani | 04/03/2026

Updated guidelines for bank authorisation now explicitly link core liquidity and systems requirements to an institution's ability to be resolved orderly.