Hong Kong

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong Launches New Certification Scheme for ESG Funds

By Editors | 14/05/2020

The new green finance certification scheme for ESG funds is an extension of the HKQAA’s certification service for green funds, launched in September 2019.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Launches ‘Greenness’ Assessment Framework

By Editors | 13/05/2020

Around 50 AIs will initially be expected to complete the assessment for end-2019 within 12 weeks. Other AIs are encouraged to reflect on their readiness to address climate and environmental risks.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Support Measures and the Impact to the Banking Industry

By Pierre Latrobe | 12/05/2020

Pierre Latrobe at Mazars discusses recent HKMA initiatives taken in response to Covid-19 and their implications for Hong Kong banks, highlighting credit risk as a growing threat.

Enforcement

Hong Kong: Investors Seek Compensation for Failed IPOs – Report

By Editors | 11/05/2020

The SFC has issued almost HK$1bn in penalties for IPO sponsor failures over 20 years. These proceeds have gone to the government, not investors.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Proposes Mandatory Reference Checks to Stop Rolling Bad Apples

By Manesh Samtani | 08/05/2020

Under the scheme, prospective employees would be required to disclose employment records to recruiting AIs before a new employment relationship is established.

Securities / Derivatives

Charles Li to Step Down as HKEX Chief Executive Next Year

By Editors | 07/05/2020

Charles Li has been chief executive for over 10 years, and is credited with the launch of Stock Connect, Bond Connect, HKEX’s new listing regime and its dual class share system.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Defers IM Rules, Maintains 1 September for VM Requirements

By Editors | 07/05/2020

While variation margin requirements will still take effect from 1 September 2020 as planned, initial margin requirements for non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives will be deferred by one year.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Mega International Commercial Bank Over Sales Practices

By Editors | 07/05/2020

Mega did not properly assess clients’ investment objectives, risk tolerance levels and knowledge of derivatives, or ensure the suitability of its fund recommendations for clients.

Hong Kong Set to Commence Fixed-rate Mortgage Pilot

By Editors | 06/05/2020

Under the six-month pilot scheme, participating banks will offer fixed-rate mortgage loans, capped at HK$10mn per loan transaction, and subject to a total aggregate cap of HK$1bn.