Hong Kong

ESG / Sustainability

HKMA Issues New Guide for Banks on Greentech Adoption

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2025

The HKMA is urging banks to review the new practice guide and consider how greentech can be integrated into their operations.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Standard Chartered Forms JV to Issue HKD-Backed Stablecoin

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2025

Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands and HKT will apply for HKMA licence to issue the first Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Gazettes Subsidiary Legislation on Paperless Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2025

Six pieces of subsidiary legislation set out detailed operational and regulatory matters for the uncertificated securities market regime.

AML / KYC

Sri Lanka Appoints Task Force to Oversee AML/CFT Efforts

By Thisanka Siripala | 19/02/2025

The primary objective of the task force is to ensure compliance with the FATF’s 40 recommendations and demonstrate effective implementation across 11 key areas.

Market Infrastructure

HKSCC Sets Launch Date for New Report Access Platform

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/02/2025

After 21 March 2025, clearing participants will no longer be able to access VaR Platform reports via the existing Report Access Platform.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong SFC Offers Clarity on Listing of Alternative Funds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/02/2025

The SFC said its door has “always been open” for closed-ended alternative funds, including PE funds, to be listed on the stock exchange.

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.