Hong Kong

Crypto / Digital Assets

HK CBDC May Be Developed on Permissioned Blockchain

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/04/2023

The HKMA has asked banks to “review and research and then propose” an implementation approach for the e-HKD.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HK Court Declares Crypto is Property That Can be Held on Trust

By Editors | 19/04/2023

The ruling was related to the March 2019 winding up of Gatecoin, which suffered a hack in 2016 and lost around $2mn in digital assets.

ESG / Sustainability

HKEX: Climate-related Disclosures to Become Mandatory in 2024

By Manesh Samtani | 16/04/2023

New rules aligned with the TCFD recommendations and the ISSB Climate Standard will become effective in January 2024.

Almost $3b Locked Up in Hong Kong MPF Accounts

By Editors | 14/04/2023

Advocacy group Hong Kong Watch estimates 96,000 people are being prevented from access their MPF funds after they moved to the UK with BNO passports.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Doubles Down on Pledge to Develop Web3

By Editors | 13/04/2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said crypto market volatility provides an opportunity for Web3 development. SFC official said DeFi platforms require licensing.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Ninety One HK Unit for Unlicensed Futures Dealing

By Editors | 12/04/2023

Ninety One did not have a Type 2 (dealing in futures contracts) licence, believing it could rely on SFO exemptions to deal in futures contracts.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Announces New Measures to Combat Phone Scams

By Editors | 12/04/2023

Implementation of an “SMS sender name” registration system will begin in the banking industry by the end of this year.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong to Introduce Risk-based Capital Regime for Insurers

By Editors | 11/04/2023

An amendment bill was gazetted that will make capital requirements for insurance companies more sensitive to their asset and liability matching, risk profile and mix of products.

Market Infrastructure

Final Rules for Swap Connect Agreed by Authorities – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 10/04/2023

Swap Connect could start trading by June if not sooner. Mainland treasury bond futures may also become accessible from Hong Kong.