HONG KONG

Crypto / Digital Assets

ICBC, HSBC Joining Race for HK Stablecoin Licences - Report

By Editors | 09/09/2025

The banks have reportedly expressed interest to the HKMA, joining a crowded field vying for one of the first issuer licences.

ESG / Sustainability

HKMA Consults on Expanded Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/09/2025

The HKMA has launched “Phase 2A” of its sustainable finance taxonomy, adding transition criteria and adaptation objectives.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Strengthens Benchmark Submission Rules for Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 09/09/2025

The HKMA has updated its HIBOR submission guidance, introducing stricter requirements for independent reviews and the assessment of internal control effectiveness.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong SFC Fines Brokerage for Cross Trade Reporting Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/09/2025

The SFC said Instinet Pacific failed to report over 8,800 cross trades valued at HKD 25.9 billion over a five-and-a-half-year period, breaching multiple conduct rules.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong’s New AML Info-Sharing Law to Start in November

By Manesh Samtani | 08/09/2025

The voluntary mechanism will allow banks and law enforcement to share account data via secure platforms to combat fraud and money laundering.

Securities / Derivatives

HK SFC Suspends Former Asset Manager RO for Fund Failures

By Editors | 06/09/2025

The former RO failed to address significant conflicts of interest and NAV inflation in a fund managed by the now-dissolved Agg Asset Management.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Fines Tahoe Life HK$10m for Unauthorised Related-Party Deals

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/09/2025

The penalty follows the IA's move last year to seize control of Tahoe Life due to significant governance failures and concerns over its financial position.

Hong Kong MPFA Reviews Default Fund Rules for Ageing Workforce

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/09/2025

The MPFA is reviewing fee caps and de-risking mechanisms for its low-cost default investment option to meet the needs of the city's "silver economy".

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Probes Alleged Insider Trading Involving SFC, HKEX Staff

By Manesh Samtani | 04/09/2025

The investigation focuses on whether staff at the SFC and HKEX leaked market-sensitive information involving dozens of listed companies.