Securities and Futures Commission

Fintech / Regtech

The Future of Equity Crowdfunding in Hong Kong

By Kristi Swartz | 29/08/2018

Equity crowdfunding may not have specific regulations in Hong Kong, but it is potentially subject to restrictions and barriers to entry under existing rules. Yet, there is room to work alongside regulators to develop and test new products in this market.

Crypto / Digital Assets

The Rise of the Crypto Hedge Fund: Opportunities and Challenges

By Hannah Cassidy | 27/08/2018

Cryptocurrency is fast establishing itself as a mainstream asset class, evident from the emergence of several new crypto hedge funds. However, given the complex regulatory and operational issues involved, it is important for firms to review crypto-related projects carefully and engage with regulators early to avoid costly surprises and delays.

AML / KYC

HKEX Unveils Details of New Northbound Investor ID Regime

By Garima Chitkara | 27/08/2018

HKEX to launch secure file transfer protocol service for exchange participants later this month to ensure smooth transition to new investor ID regime for northbound trading, set for 17 September.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Forex Broker Fined for Mishandling Client Money

By Editors | 23/08/2018

HPI Forex Limited transferred client money from segregated client account to two overseas brokers, breaching the Code of Conduct and the SFC’s client money rules.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong SFC Proposes New Rules For Securities Margin Financing

By Garima Chitkara | 20/08/2018

The regulator has launched a two-month consultation around stronger risk management standards to govern securities margin financing.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Warns Against Disguised Margin Financing

By Editors | 06/08/2018

Suspected margin financing arrangements involve unlicensed affiliates of licensed corporations or third parties who appear to be engaging in securities margin financing without an SFC licence in order to circumvent regulatory requirements.

Market Infrastructure

SFC to Assess Licensed Firms for FRTB Adoption Readiness

By Manesh Samtani | 06/08/2018

Pending an update from the Basel Committee on FRTB, the SFC will assess the readiness of LCs to adopt the internal models approach for market risk based on the Basel II.5 framework.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong’s Revised OFC Regime Goes Into Effect

By Garima Chitkara | 30/07/2018

Hong Kong’s new open-ended fund regime that will allow OFCs to be set up as corporates takes effect on 30 July.

Fintech / Regtech

Technology and Regulation: Rapidly Reforming the Funds Industry

By Leo Chen | 25/07/2018

The Asian funds industry is undergoing a period of fundamental change and challenge. This is a result of shifting investor demographics, rapid technological development, the emergence of technology firms and tightening regulation.