Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Finalises OTC Derivatives Framework

By Garima Chitkara | 28/06/2018

HKMA and SFC published conclusions from their March 2018 consultation on LEI requirements, reporting norms and platform trading.

Fintech / Regtech

Virtualisation in Banking Sector: A Major Step Forward for Hong Kong

By Philip Keller | 27/06/2018

Hong Kong may have been slow to the game in finalising its framework for virtual banks, but digitisation in the city is now on the move. This is good news and critics should recognise this as a major step forward for Hong Kong.

AML / KYC

Maximum Pressure: US, HK Act to Firm Up North Korea Sanctions

By Nick Turner | 25/06/2018

Despite the glad-handing between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore earlier this month, the legal landscape surrounding North Korea sanctions remains unchanged since March 2018. AML (anti-money laundering) risks will remain a focus of attention in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Fintech / Regtech

HK Virtual Bank Licence Offers Nothing New for Local Market

By Peter Guy | 20/06/2018

The HKMA and its new regulations fail to recognise that virtual banking has long existed. Redundant and irrelevant rules only hold back fintech development in Hong Kong.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Imposes Enhanced Supervisory Arrangements on Indian Bank Branches

By JP Reimann | 14/06/2018

Due to capital deficiencies, the Hong Kong branches of Allahabad Bank, Punjab National Bank and Indian Overseas Bank must hold HQLA equivalent to 100% of unpledged deposits and should not solicit customer deposits, among other measures.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Adds Two Additional Phases to Cyber Resilience Assessment

By JP Reimann | 14/06/2018

Second phase to cover 60 authorised institutions with higher risk, third phase to cover about 90 remaining institutions; HKMA expressed concern about lack of qualified C-RAF assessors.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HKMA Finalises Virtual Bank Rules, Applications Now Open

By JP Reimann | 01/06/2018

Regulator publishes final guidelines but no change in capital requirements; companies seeking inclusion in first batch of virtual bank applications can apply by 31 August.

Big Picture

The Ties That Bind: Market Connectivity Continues to Increase Despite Opposing Rhetoric

By Larry Thompson | 30/05/2018

Whether it is geopolitical tensions in North Asia, the UK’s exit from the European Union or new U.S. trade policies, globalisation would appear to many to be in retreat in many regions of the world — but this is not the case in financial markets.

Market Infrastructure

MAS, HKMA Commit to FX Global Code

By Editors | 30/05/2018

Over 200 global FX market participants have committed to the Code to maintain status as central bank counterparties.