Hong Kong

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA to Grant Virtual Banking Licences in Q1 2019

By Editors | 10/12/2018

The HKMA has provided an update on the processing of virtual banking applications, saying it will shortlist one-third of remaining applicants with an aim to granting licences in Q1 2019.

Enforcement

Soros-Linked Fund Manager Fined in Hong Kong for Naked Short Selling

By Editors | 07/12/2018

SFM HK Management Ltd, owned by New York’s Soros Fund Management, was fined HK$1.5mn for short selling Great Wall Motors bonus shares before they were available for trading.

Capital / Liquidity

SFC Revised Code for Funds to Take Effect from January 2019

By Manesh Samtani | 07/12/2018

Amended ‘Code on Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds’ to take effect in January with 12-month transition period. Proposals on classification of derivatives funds have been revised.

Securities / Derivatives

China Enables Bond Market Access Through Bloomberg Terminal

By Editors | 03/12/2018

The PBOC says preparatory work has been completed to enable international investors’ access to China’s interbank bond market, via Bond Connect, through Bloomberg terminals.

Fintech / Regtech

TransUnion Online Service Suspended in Hong Kong – Reports

By Editors | 03/12/2018

The HKMA and privacy commissioner have demanded security improvements after reporters were able to access top officials’ credit reports through TransUnion’s online service.

Market Infrastructure

HKIFA Seeks Loosening of HK-China MRF Restrictions

By Editors | 27/11/2018

The industry association has been working with EY on proposals aimed at making it easier to distribute Hong Kong-based funds into China through the mutual recognition scheme.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Set to Finalise TLAC Rules

By Garima Chitkara | 19/11/2018

New rules governing bank TLAC holdings, concentration risk in sovereign exposures have been gazetted and will be presented before LegCo on 21 November.

Market Infrastructure

FSB Issues Progress Report on Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

By Manesh Samtani | 15/11/2018

The FSB notes progress to strengthen major IBORs and identify RFRs and other alternative reference rates, highlighting actions taken in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Market Infrastructure

GDPR and Hong Kong’s PDPO: Are They So Different?

By Peter Lancos | 06/11/2018

Hong Kong’s data privacy ordinance is conceptually similar to GDPR, but perhaps with ‘smaller teeth’, say Peter Lancos and Jennifer Boyse at Exate Technology.