Hong Kong

Crypto / Digital Assets

AFCA Calls Out Inconsistent Scams Response Across Financial Industry

By Manesh Samtani | 30/04/2025

AFCA is urging FIs to bolster their scam response teams with adequate resources to effectively combat scams and boost consumer confidence.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Grants Victory Securities Approval to Expand Crypto Services

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/04/2025

Victory Securities is allowed to offer discretionary account management services and to distribute physically-settled crypto-referenced structured products.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Outlines Plans for Payments Infrastructure Connectivity

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/04/2025

HKMA Deputy CEO Darryl Chan said Hong Kong’s instant payments link with Mainland China is on track for launch in the middle of this year.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Set to Formally Adopt Fast Track Authorisation Process for Funds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/04/2025

The SFC will formally adopt FASTrack from 5 May following “smooth” implementation and “positive feedback” from applicants during the 6-month pilot.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Forms New Panel to Advance Digital Trade Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/04/2025

The new expert panel will formulate a roadmap for digitising cargo data so that it may be integrated into the CDI platform.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Interactive Brokers Over Expired Standing Authority

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/04/2025

Interactive Brokers loaned out client securities without first renewing the standing authority in place for securities borrowing and lending.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Opens Applications for Second Cohort of GenAI Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/04/2025

HKMA is also introducing the “GenAI Sandbox Collaboratory”, a platform comprising practical workshops to facilitate early engagements between banks and tech firms.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX Prepares to Implement Minimum Spreads Reduction Plan

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/04/2025

HKEX has directed exchange participants to join an optional end-to-end to verify system changes needed to implement phase 1 minimum spreads reduction.

Market Infrastructure

SFC, HKMA Issue Guidance for New Derivatives Reporting Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/04/2025

The documents provide clarifications and address concerns on the implementation of the updated OTC derivatives reporting requirements commencing in September.