HONG KONG

HKMA to Cut 2026 Budget, Freeze Hiring, Reports Say

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2025

The HKMA will reportedly reduce its operating budget by 5 percent and halt new hiring, aligning with broader government austerity measures.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX Revises Timeline for Upgrades to Core Derivatives Platforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2025

HKEX has set a new timeline for the HKATS and DCASS operating system upgrade, opening a testing environment for API users from early August.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Bank Complaints Surge as Anti-Fraud Measures Increase Customer Friction

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2025

The HKMA has urged banks to improve customer communication as enhanced account monitoring drives a sharp rise in complaints.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Pushes Data-sharing Infrastructure to Boost SME Trade Finance

By Manesh Samtani | 29/07/2025

The HKMA is advancing its Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) with new pilots in credit scoring and logistics data, aiming to streamline lending and cut costs for businesses.

Enforcement

Two Former Execs Arrested in Hong Kong for Manipulation, Corruption

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/07/2025

A former executive director of an SFC-licensed brokerage firm is suspected of accepting advantages from a listed company's former chairman.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX to Launch New Digital Issuer Platform Next Year

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/07/2025

HKEX says the new secure web-based portal will become the mandatory channel for issuer submissions, enhancing compliance and market transparency.

Enforcement

Hong Kong PCPD Probes Cathay Pacific Data Breach

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

The compliance check into a Cathay Pacific data breach follows a recent investigation into a Qantas data breach, signalling heightened regulatory scrutiny on data protection in the city.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Developing New Rules to Support Elderly Banking Consumers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

Regulators will issue elderly-friendly banking guidelines to improve the banking experience for seniors, and require banks to offer a "default no-online banking" option to customers.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong to Expand Mandatory Reference Checks for Bankers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

From September 2025, the MRC Scheme will be expanded to cover 50,000 frontline staff involved in securities, insurance, or mandatory provident fund regulated activities.