Hong Kong

AML / KYC

US Sanctions Hong Kong, UAE Firms in Iran 'Shadow Banking' Crackdown

By Editors | 17/09/2025

The action targets a network using front companies and cryptocurrency to launder oil proceeds for Iran's military, heightening secondary sanctions risks.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Regulatory Framework Enhances Crypto Market Legitimacy

By Nathan Lynch | 17/09/2025

Hong Kong is ramping up its regulatory support for digital assets, positioning itself as a hub for stablecoins, while also addressing financial crime concerns.

Enforcement

Hong Kong SFC Imposes Five Year Ban on Former Citi Executive

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/09/2025

The SFC says Richard Heyes is responsible for a decade of serious internal control failures and dishonest practices in Citigroup Global Markets' Asia equities business.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA Revises Supervisory Guide on Visiting Finance Professionals

By Manesh Samtani | 16/09/2025

HKMA extends the permissible engagement period for itinerant professionals to 45 days and consolidates rules for fund depositaries.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong to Phase In Stablecoin Audit Rules Over 1-3 Years

By Manesh Samtani | 16/09/2025

AFRC chief warns that rushing detailed standards for the nascent industry could "kill" it, signalling a cautious approach.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Surpasses Family Office Target Ahead of Schedule

By Manesh Samtani | 16/09/2025

Hong Kong has attracted over 200 family offices since 2022, spurred by new tax concessions and investment schemes.

Market Infrastructure

China Considers Expanding Wealth Connect Scheme Beyond GBA

By Editors | 13/09/2025

Regulators are reportedly exploring a 'version 3.0' of the cross-border investment programme, with a draft consultation paper possible by year-end.

Fintech / Regtech

UBS, Chainlink and DigiFT Pilot Tokenised Fund in Hong Kong

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/09/2025

The collaboration between UBS, Chainlink and DigiFT, aims to create an automated, institutional-grade infrastructure for real-world asset tokenisation under regulated conditions.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong and Indonesia State Agencies Sign Pact on Financial Market Integration

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/09/2025

The agreement between Hong Kong’s FSDC and Indonesia’s IFG targets collaboration on sustainable finance, fintech, and insurance.