Hong Kong

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Bank Exposure Rules Gazetted

By Garima Chitkara | 21/05/2018

Government close to finalising legislative framework that will enable the HKMA to set concentration limits for banks’ equity exposures.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Expands Professional Investor Rules

By JP Reimann | 21/05/2018

SFC’s new professional investor rules will expand categories, amend qualification threshold starting from 13 July 2018.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Citigroup $7.3mn For IPO Sponsor Failures

By Manesh Samtani | 21/05/2018

The regulator fined Citigroup for due diligence and staff supervision failures relating to IPO work in 2009; no constraints placed on its business activities.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Allows Corporate Setup for Investment Funds

By JP Reimann | 18/05/2018

SFC’s new open-ended fund company (OFC) regime will allow investment funds to set up under corporate structures starting from 30 July 2018.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong SFC Releases Further Details on Licensing Regime

By Garima Chitkara | 17/05/2018

SFC bulletin highlights areas of concern the regulator considers in granting and rejecting licenses as well as updates to MIC regime; SFC also announced a forthcoming thematic review of MIC regime compliance.

Market Infrastructure

ASIFMA: HK Financial Secretary Lauds China as Global Standards Setter

By JP Reimann | 17/05/2018

James Lau said China is becoming a pioneer in setting global standards with an “open and supportive regulatory environment”; HK a “premier listing platform” for mainland enterprises.

Capital / Liquidity

Fitch Downgrades HK Banks due to China Exposure

By Garima Chitkara | 16/05/2018

Fitch Ratings cut its assessment of Hong Kong banks’ operating environment from A+/negative to A/stable because of growing influence of Chinese economy on the industry.

Capital / Liquidity

SFC Fund Manager Code of Conduct – What You Need to Know

By Derek McGibney | 16/05/2018

The ten key points you need to know about the SFC’s consultation conclusions on changes to the Fund Manager Code of Conduct, due to be implemented in six months’ time.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA Reveals Details of Pilot Bond Grant Scheme

By Garima Chitkara | 14/05/2018

Eligible bond issuers can apply for a grant equivalent to half of eligible issuance expenses, including for debt origination and structuring, legal, audit, sales and distribution, up to HKD2.5mn.