HONG KONG

Enforcement

SFC Reviewing Margin Financing Practices of Securities Firms

By Manesh Samtani | 18/02/2025

The SFC is conducting a thematic review of eight securities firms that provided unusually high levels of margin financing for new IPO subscriptions.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Mulls Rule Changes to Boost Virtual Asset Sector

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2025

The SFC is considering relaxing certain rules to improve liquidity in Hong Kong’s virtual asset market and enhance the city’s position as a digital asset hub.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong’s First Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Law is Becoming Reality

By Albert Yuen | 17/02/2025

Albert Yuen and Eunice Lee at Linklaters discuss the proposed new Cyber CI Bill and its implications for critical infrastructure operators.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Approves First Tokenised Fund for Retail Investors

By Thisanka Siripala | 17/02/2025

The ChinaAMC fund will provide retail investors access to Hong Kong dollar yields through a blockchain-based structure.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong to Lower IPO Hurdles for Mainland Companies

By Mark Johnston | 17/02/2025

Proposed changes expected to be announced later this year aim to lower fundraising thresholds, optimise market structure, and enhance corporate governance.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Permits Use of Crypto for Wealth Verification Under CIES

By Manesh Samtani | 14/02/2025

Cryptocurrency can be used in the wealth verification process to apply for the visa but is not among the “permissible assets” required to maintain the CIES visa status.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Directs Banks to Enhance Interest Rate Risk Management

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2025

The HKMA says AIs must strengthen the management of interest rate risk, emphasising CARs disclosure and usage of behavioural models.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HKMA Consults on Amendments to Banking Capital Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2025

The amendments to certain definitions or provisions aim to enhance clarity and align with the Basel framework.

Capital / Liquidity

HK Banks Execute First Repo Trades Using Mainland Bonds as Collateral

By Manesh Samtani | 11/02/2025

HSBC, BOCHK, StanChart and Hang Seng were among the first banks to execute offshore yuan repo transactions on Monday.