Hong Kong Monetary Authority

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.

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.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong-based Regulatory Alliance Eyes Better Fintech Supervision

By Garima Chitkara | 10/05/2018

Asian regulators, former central bankers and government officials establish information exchange alliance to better regulate fintech, digital payments and cryptocurrency developments in the region.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Issues Guidelines on Technology Use in Personal Lending

By Garima Chitkara | 10/05/2018

Banks now allowed to use big data technology and consumer behavioural analytics to assess credit risks for personal lending portfolios.

AML / KYC

ACAMS 2018: Rising to the Financial Crime Challenge

By Manesh Samtani | 09/05/2018

Recently in Hong Kong, ACAMS brought financial industry participants to discuss action to combat financial crime. Progress on regulation, advancements in technology and FIs’ willingness to do their part are making all the difference.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Money Laundering – The River Runs Through It

By Peter Guy | 07/05/2018

While Hong Kong struggles to reduce and contain money laundering activities at existing financial institutions, the role of cryptocurrencies in undermining compliance and enforcement capabilities is overlooked.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Publishes First AML/CTF Risk Assessment

By Manesh Samtani | 02/05/2018

Hong Kong exposed to medium-high level of money laundering risk; ability to combat money laundering also assessed as medium-high.

Big Picture

Moody’s Places HK Banks on Review for Upgrade

By Editors | 01/05/2018

Hong Kong legislation enables authorities to achieve orderly resolution in the event of a bank failure and provides clarity on the effect on depositors and other creditors.

Market Infrastructure

Japanese Banks Respond to HK OTC Derivatives Consultation

By Garima Chitkara | 30/04/2018

Japanese banking association asks for 6-12 months grace for implementing LEI requirements; urges for increased incentives to encourage smaller firms to obtain LEIs.