Hong Kong FSDC Signs Pact with Kuwait Capital Markets Authority

08/02/2025

The MoU focuses on mutual cooperation, information exchange, and the promotion of innovative financial products and services.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong to Develop Operational Guidance for Transition Finance

07/02/2025

This year, Hong Kong regulators will also launch an official “green fintech map” and a “transition finance knowledge hub”.

AML / KYC

BSP Issues Draft Rules Authorising FIs to Freeze Suspicious Funds  

06/02/2025

FIs will be able to temporarily hold “disputed funds” while they initiate a process to validate the legitimacy of the transaction.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ABA Calls for Swift Passage of Payment System Reforms

05/02/2025

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said the reforms “first flagged over 1,200 days ago” are “urgently needed” and can be passed “this sitting fortnight”.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC to Resume Collecting Annual Licensing Fees in April

05/02/2025

The SFC has fully waived the annual licensing fees for 11 of the last 15 years. The waiver will be allowed to end in March 2025.

Australia to Continue Allowing Virtual Meetings, Digital Documents

04/02/2025

Stephen Jones called on ASIC, ASX and industry bodies to issue guidance on appropriate conduct and use of technology at meetings

HK Banks to Collaborate to Help SMEs Resolve Difficulties: HKAB

04/02/2025

HKAB said StanChart, BOCHK, HSBC, BEA, DBS, and Hang Seng are piloting a collaborative approach to negotiating SME financing arrangements

Enforcement

Hong Kong Court Jails Ex-Lawmaker for Defrauding Stock Exchange

04/02/2025

A father and son were jailed for concealing a backdoor listing from the stock exchange. A third individual was jailed for laundering HKD 42 million.

Securities / Derivatives

SET Launches New Depositary Receipts based on HK-Listed ETFs

04/02/2025

The SET has more than 50 DR products listed on its market, including six new DRs based on ETFs listed in Hong Kong.