Hong Kong

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Proposes Major Listing Rule Overhaul to Boost Competitiveness

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

HKEX has proposed sweeping reforms to its listing framework, aiming to attract more high-growth companies amid intense global competition.

AML / KYC

Former Hong Kong Councillor Jailed for Laundering Scam Proceeds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The conviction for laundering HKD 590,000 highlights the ongoing risks from telephone scams targeting vulnerable individuals in the city.

ESG / Sustainability

ICMA Report Highlights Need for APAC Convergence of ESG Ratings Rules

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

New report highlights the rise of voluntary codes and binding rules for ESG ratings providers across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HSBC, StanChart Tipped to Win Hong Kong Stablecoin Licences

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

Standard Chartered has participated in the HKMA sandbox for stablecoin issuers, but HSBC's inclusion is seen as noteworthy as it did not.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Eight in Insider Trading, Corruption Probe

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

Joint SFC-ICAC operation targets executives at two brokerages and a hedge fund in a scheme that allegedly netted HKD 315 million from illicitly obtained placement data.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Directs Banks to Conduct Strategic Reviews for Tokenisation Era

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

Top HKMA officials set out expectations for banks to adapt their business models for emerging digital technologies like DLT.

Securities / Derivatives

Korean Regulators Refer 11 to Prosecutors in Major Stock Manipulation Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The group, including financial professionals, allegedly used over KRW 100 billion and a company’s own treasury shares to manipulate prices.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New Zealand FMA Calls for Digital Asset Law, Expands Fintech Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The FMA has flagged the need for primary legislation for virtual assets, citing industry concerns over regulatory fragmentation.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Authorities Raid Citic Securities, Guotai Junan Offices - Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The move marks a significant escalation of regulatory scrutiny into the city's financial sector amid a boom in capital markets activity.