Hong Kong

Structural Regulation

Korea Eases OTC Trading Rules for Foreign Investors

By Mark Johnston | 05/03/2026

South Korea's FSC has proposed amending investment rules to allow foreign investors to trade restricted shares over-the-counter without prior approval.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

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.

Structural Regulation

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.

Structural Regulation

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.

Clearing & Post-Trade

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.

Trading & Investment

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.

Payments & Settlements

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.

Trading & Investment

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.

Trading & Investment

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.