Hong Kong

Securities / Derivatives

Alibaba May Be Excluded from HK-China Stock Connect – Report

By Editors | 12/02/2020

A decision has not yet been made to revise a previous arrangement that excludes companies with secondary listings and weighted voting rights from Stock Connect.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Considers Reforms to Data Privacy Laws

By Editors | 12/02/2020

Key recommendations include higher penalties for breaches, mandatory data breach notifications, and a requirement for clear personal data retention policies.

AML / KYC

SFC Fines BMI Securities, Suspends RO for AML Breaches

By Editors | 11/02/2020

The SFC has fined BMI Securities HK$3.7mn and suspended one of its responsible officers for failures to comply with AML/CFT obligations.

HSBC Provides Relief to Customers Impacted by Outbreak

By Editors | 10/02/2020

HSBC becomes the latest Hong Kong bank to announce relief measures for business owners impacted by the novel coronavirus and its effects on the economy.

Enforcement

SFC Bulletin Shows Sponsor Conduct Still Top-of-mind

By Editors | 07/02/2020

The Regulatory Bulletin offers case studies illustrating the SFC’s key areas of concern and recent regulatory interventions in IPO applications and corporate transactions.

HKMA Urges ‘Sympathetic Stance’ for Borrowers Affected by Coronavirus

By Manesh Samtani | 07/02/2020

The HKMA is encouraging banks to adopt a sympathetic stance to customers facing coronavirus-related difficulties and to consider offering relief on debt repayment and fees.

Enforcement

SFC Imposes One-Year Ban on RHB Securities Analyst

By Editors | 06/02/2020

The analyst traded stocks covered in research reports he prepared through his father’s securities trading account held at another brokerage.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong PE Firms Should Reassess Licensing Obligations

By Michael P Wong | 05/02/2020

Hong Kong private equity firms should reassess whether they have complied with licensing requirements in light of new guidance from the SFC, says Dechert partner Michael Wong.

Securities / Derivatives

HK Bourse to Grant Relief on Issuer Results Announcements

By Editors | 04/02/2020

Listed companies experiencing difficulties publishing results or audited financial statements due to coronavirus-related travel and other restrictions may be granted relief.