Hong Kong

Market Infrastructure

China Approves Plan to Impose National Security Law in Hong Kong

By Manesh Samtani | 28/05/2020

The move could impact Hong Kong’s special trade status under US law, lead to sanctions against officials, and trigger a downgrade of the city’s credit rating.

Market Infrastructure

US State Dept Declares Hong Kong No Longer Autonomous

By Manesh Samtani | 27/05/2020

The move puts at risk the special status under US law Hong Kong has enjoyed since 1992, jeopardising billions of dollars worth of trade and investment.

Securities / Derivatives

CORRECTED – HKEX to Launch New Derivatives Products

By Editors | 27/05/2020

Subject to regulatory approval, 37 new futures and options contracts based on MSCI Asia and emerging markets indices will be launched in Hong Kong.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Issues Guidance on Treatment of Loans Under Relief

By Editors | 26/05/2020

The HKMA’s guidance on the treatment of loans subject to government guarantees and payment moratoriums is largely in line with guidance issued by the BCBS last month.

Market Infrastructure

More Protectionist Regulatory Intervention on the Cards, Experts Warn

By Daniel Flatt | 25/05/2020

The raft of government measures designed to stave off corporate raiders is unlikely to abate soon, compliance practitioners say.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong: National Security Law Expected to Cause Capital Flight

By Editors | 24/05/2020

Bankers are reportedly receiving requests to activate plans to withdraw assets from Hong Kong in light of Beijing’s plan to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC to Allow Leveraged, Inverse ETFs Tracking Mainland Indices

By Editors | 24/05/2020

The SFC is prepared to initially only accept ‘swap-based’ L&I products tracking Mainland equity indices, with a leverage factor up to 2x, or negative 1x for inverse products.

Market Infrastructure

HKMA Publishes Findings from Bank Culture Reform Initiative

By Manesh Samtani | 24/05/2020

As a next step, the HKMA will conduct more focused reviews on retail banks’ front office in relation to the distribution of banking, investment and insurance products.

Fintech / Regtech

HK Banks See Fintech More As Opportunity Than Threat – Study

By Editors | 20/05/2020

Over the next ten years, banks expect to continue to play a key role in fintech innovation and adoption, and are confident they will not be displaced by new competitors.