Cryptocurrency

SFC Unveils Roadmap for Achieving Virtual Assets Hub Ambitions

20/02/2025

The roadmap includes potentially allowing virtual asset derivatives, margin financing, and staking and lending services.

Supervision & Enforcement

BSP Approves Revised Framework for External Auditor Selection

20/02/2025

The framework allows external auditors to offer services to a wider scope of entities – including digital banks and VASPs.

Payments & Settlements

MPFA Announces Enhancements to eMPF Platform

20/02/2025

Five MPF trustees have been onboarded to the new eMPF platform so far. Seven more will start onboarding starting in March.

Structural Regulation

HKEX Sees First GEM Company Transfer to Main Board Since Reforms

19/02/2025

Civil explosives producer Pizu Group is the first company to use the new streamlined mechanism to transfer from the GEM to the Main Board.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australian Police Publishes “Scam Script” Used to Lure Victims

19/02/2025

The AFP published the scam script to promote an understanding of how romance scams are operated and greater vigilance by the public.

Liquidity Risk

More HK Banks Join Effort to Resolve SME Cash Flow Issues

19/02/2025

The HKAB says 12 more banks have joined a pilot programme aimed at helping SMEs resolve liquidity and cash flow pressures.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

HKMA Mandates Mandatory Name Matching for All Fund Transfers

19/02/2025

Under the HKMA’s 2021 guidance, the mandatory name matching process was only required for fund transfers of HKD 10,000 or above.

Sustainable Finance

HKMA Issues New Guide for Banks on Greentech Adoption

19/02/2025

The HKMA is urging banks to review the new practice guide and consider how greentech can be integrated into their operations.

Stablecoins

Standard Chartered Forms JV to Issue HKD-Backed Stablecoin

19/02/2025

Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands and HKT will apply for HKMA licence to issue the first Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin.