Hong Kong

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Insurance Authority Fines Three Brokers for AML Breaches

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

The action follows an investigation that found deficiencies in customer due diligence and record-keeping, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of the sector.

Chinese Regulators Probe Mideast Risk as Banks Cut Exposure

By Editors | 09/03/2026

Hong Kong and mainland authorities are ordering risk reviews as financial firms halt loans, trim bond holdings, and cease some trading in the region.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Audit Firms in First-Ever AML Disciplinary Actions

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

The AFRC sanctioned a PIE auditor and two smaller firms for failures in customer due diligence, risk assessments, and sanctions screening.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Tightens IPO Underwriter Scrutiny, Causing Hiring Delays - Reports

By Editors | 06/03/2026

The SFC has intensified checks on IPO underwriters, citing poor submission quality and creating recruitment challenges for brokerages.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Banks Extends Loan Relief for Tai Po Fire Victims

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

HKMA and HKAB announce extended loan repayment holidays and flexible mortgage arrangements for residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Regulators Expand GenAI Sandbox Across Entire Financial Sector

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

The initiative now covers securities, insurance, pensions and payments, offering firms free computing power to test AI in a controlled environment.

ESG / Sustainability

SFC Chief Outlines Five-Point Strategy for Maintaining Market Resilience

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

Julia Leung warns against complacency amid market buoyancy, outlining a five-point strategy for APAC to build resilience through technology and collaboration.

Securities / Derivatives

HSBC Asia Chief Proposes 'IPO Connect' for Greater Bay Area

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The proposal, modelled on the Stock Connect, aims to deepen financial integration by giving investors cross-border access to new listings.

Enforcement

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Mazars, Grant Thornton for Audit Archiving Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The firms were sanctioned for widespread and systemic breaches of the 60-day audit file archive requirement and related quality control deficiencies.