Hong Kong

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Tightens IPO Underwriter Scrutiny, Causing Hiring Delays - Reports

By Editors | 06/03/2026

The SFC has intensified checks on IPO underwriters, citing poor submission quality and creating recruitment challenges for brokerages.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Chair Calls on APAC Regulators to Collaborate on Innovation

By Manesh Samtani | 06/03/2026

Joe Longo said ASIC will overhaul its own sandbox framework and urged regional alignment to avoid creating a "patchwork of standards" that encourages regulatory arbitrage.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Banks Extends Loan Relief for Tai Po Fire Victims

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

HKMA and HKAB announce extended loan repayment holidays and flexible mortgage arrangements for residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Regulators Expand GenAI Sandbox Across Entire Financial Sector

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

The initiative now covers securities, insurance, pensions and payments, offering firms free computing power to test AI in a controlled environment.

ESG / Sustainability

SFC Chief Outlines Five-Point Strategy for Maintaining Market Resilience

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

Julia Leung warns against complacency amid market buoyancy, outlining a five-point strategy for APAC to build resilience through technology and collaboration.

Securities / Derivatives

HSBC Asia Chief Proposes 'IPO Connect' for Greater Bay Area

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The proposal, modelled on the Stock Connect, aims to deepen financial integration by giving investors cross-border access to new listings.

Securities / Derivatives

Korea Eases OTC Trading Rules for Foreign Investors

By Mark Johnston | 05/03/2026

South Korea's FSC has proposed amending investment rules to allow foreign investors to trade restricted shares over-the-counter without prior approval.

Enforcement

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Mazars, Grant Thornton for Audit Archiving Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The firms were sanctioned for widespread and systemic breaches of the 60-day audit file archive requirement and related quality control deficiencies.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong, Macao Regulators Sign Revised Cooperation Pact

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The agreement between the HKMA and AMCM expands collaboration beyond banking supervision to include financial infrastructure linkage and information exchange within the GBA.