Hong Kong

AML / KYC

HK Police Arrest Bank Staff for Money Laundering – Report

By Editors | 20/01/2021

The 7 individuals arrested are said to have helped a member of an international money laundering syndicate open at least 14 bank accounts.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong Influence in Global Climate Finance of ‘Critical Importance’

By Manesh Samtani | 19/01/2021

At the Asian Financial Forum, SFC chief Ashley Alder discussed the steps Hong Kong has taken to support a greener and more sustainable future.

Fintech / Regtech

Asia Has an Opportunity to Demonstrate Global RegTech Leadership

By Manesh Samtani | 18/01/2021

Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo each have an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership in the regtech sector, according to a panel of experts hosted by the Asia Society’s Hong Kong Center.

AML / KYC

US Sanctions Six More Chinese, Hong Kong Officials

By Editors | 17/01/2021

The latest designations are a response to the arrest of 53 pro-democracy politicians and activists this month. Hong Kong’s government called the move “insane, shameless and despicable”.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Lawmaker Asks HKEX to Lower Market Data Fees

By Manesh Samtani | 16/01/2021

HKEX’s monthly fees for retail investors are higher than other stock exchanges, which may have implications for stockbrokers that serve retail investors, says a new report.

Securities / Derivatives

State Street to Resume Buying Sanctioned Stocks for Tracker Fund

By Editors | 14/01/2021

Two days after State Street said it would not be able to buy shares in US-sanctioned stocks, the company has said it will resume these investments to continue tracking the Hang Seng Index.

Sanctions

HKMA May Replace State Street as Manager of Tracker Fund

By Editors | 13/01/2021

State Street will no longer be able to buy shares in companies sanctioned by the US, including China Mobile and China Unicom.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Launches Familiarisation Programme for New Risk Engine

By Editors | 11/01/2021

A familiarisation programme has been launched to allow clearing participants to retrieve margin related reports calculated based on the new ORP risk models.

Sanctions

US Banks to Delist Hong Kong Listed Structured Products

By Manesh Samtani | 11/01/2021

The move is said to be a direct result of a prohibition on US persons from purchasing shares in companies identified to be linked to the Chinese military.