Hong Kong

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.

Market Infrastructure

HK Regulators Establish Green and Sustainable Finance Steering Group

By Editors | 05/05/2020

Initiated by the HKMA and SFC, the Steering Group will coordinate across other agencies and sectors to position Hong Kong as a global leader in green and sustainable finance.

Securities / Derivatives

HK Govt Under Fire for ‘False’ Justification of Broker Subsidies

By Manesh Samtani | 03/05/2020

Average daily market turnover jumped 54.5% in Q1 2020 compared to Q4 2019, which has led to a corresponding increase in brokerage revenues and profits.

Hong Kong Records Higher Negative Equity Mortgage Loans

By Editors | 30/04/2020

The negative equity loans are related to housing loans provided to bank staff or under mortgage insurance programmes, which tend to have higher loan-to-value ratios.

SFC Offers Guidance on Cyber Risk of Remote Office Arrangements

By Editors | 29/04/2020

In a circular, the SFC sets out examples of controls and procedures to help licensed corporations protect their internal networks and data.

SFC, Competition Commission Agree to Cooperate, Share Information

By Editors | 28/04/2020

The SFC and the Competition Commission can consult each other on issues with significant implications for the other and share information where appropriate.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Gazettes Banking Rule Amendments to Implement SA-CCR

By Editors | 25/04/2020

The final Basel III standards on SA-CCR and on capital requirements for CCP exposures will come into operation in Hong Kong on 30 June 2021, subject to negative vetting.

Securities / Derivatives

Oil Volatility Prompts SFC Call for Vigilance, Contingency Plans

By Editors | 24/04/2020

Commodity futures brokers should control exposures to clients and pre-arrange for contingent funding and capital support to be available from group companies or shareholders.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Survey Highlights LIBOR Transition Challenges

By Editors | 23/04/2020

About HK$1.4tr in assets, HK$0.5tr in liabilities, and HK$14.7tr in derivatives still referencing LIBOR will mature after end-2021 and don’t have fallbacks in place.