Hong Kong

ESG / Sustainability

HKEX Launches Sustainable and Green Exchange, ‘STAGE’

By Editors | 02/12/2020

STAGE will provide greater access and transparency on sustainable-themed products, as part of measures to support Hong Kong’s goal to become the green finance hub.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Consults on Revised SPM on Group-wide Bank Supervision

By Editors | 02/12/2020

The revised SPM accounts for holding companies established overseas and intermediate holding companies, including those that are unregulated or engaged in non-financial activities.

AML / KYC

SFC Directs Senior Managers to Correct AML/CFT Deficiencies

By Editors | 02/12/2020

The SFC found deficiencies in areas including oversight, internal controls, risk assessments, third party deposits, SoW/SoF checks, and sanctions screening, among others.

Enforcement

Former Convoy Executives Found Not Guilty in ‘Enigma Network’ Case

By Editors | 02/12/2020

The judge ruled that the evidence provided by prosecutors was not sufficient to prove there was any attempt to deceive the stock exchange or Convoy directors or investors.

Fintech / Regtech

Lack of Electronic Solutions Hindering Capital Market Access: ASIFMA

By Editors | 30/11/2020

The report calls on government and regulators to facilitate greater use of e-signatures, virtual meetings, and other electronic solutions in Hong Kong and Singapore capital markets.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Proposes to Raise Profit Requirement for New IPOs

By Manesh Samtani | 30/11/2020

One option HKEX proposes is to raise the profit requirement for companies seeking to list in Hong Kong threefold, reflecting the growth of the Hang Seng Index since 1994.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Finalises Changes to Grant Greater Flexibility to REIT Managers

By Editors | 29/11/2020

REITs will be allowed to invest in minority-owned properties and property development projects, and borrowing limits will be increased.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX Announces Stock Connect Expansion Arrangements

By Manesh Samtani | 29/11/2020

Pre-revenue biotech companies listed on Hong Kong’s Main Board will be included from 27 December. SSE STAR Market stocks will be included in early 2021.

Big Picture

HKIMR Offers Suggestions to Develop Hong Kong Green Bond Market

By Shruti Khairnar | 27/11/2020

To encourage more active participation in the market, efforts can be made to implement tax incentives and subsidies to address the high costs of certification.