Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Grants Virtual Asset Trading Platform Licence to Bullish

20/02/2025

The SFC has granted Bullish a licence to operate as a VATP, making it the 10th licence applicant to receive this approval.

Crypto / Digital Assets

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.

Market Infrastructure

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.

Fintech / Regtech

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.

Securities / Derivatives

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.

AML / KYC

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.

Capital / Liquidity

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.

AML / KYC

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.

ESG / Sustainability

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.