HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY

Crypto / Digital Assets

HKMA Finalises Virtual Bank Rules, Applications Now Open

By JP Reimann | 01/06/2018

Regulator publishes final guidelines but no change in capital requirements; companies seeking inclusion in first batch of virtual bank applications can apply by 31 August.

Big Picture

The Ties That Bind: Market Connectivity Continues to Increase Despite Opposing Rhetoric

By Larry Thompson | 30/05/2018

Whether it is geopolitical tensions in North Asia, the UK’s exit from the European Union or new U.S. trade policies, globalisation would appear to many to be in retreat in many regions of the world — but this is not the case in financial markets.

Market Infrastructure

MAS, HKMA Commit to FX Global Code

By Editors | 30/05/2018

Over 200 global FX market participants have committed to the Code to maintain status as central bank counterparties.

Capital / Liquidity

China Boosts Offshore RMB Liquidity as MSCI Inclusion Looms

By Garima Chitkara | 21/05/2018

PBOC allows offshore clearing banks to access mainland liquidity, cuts RMB reserve ratio of clearing banks to zero percent, among other measures.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Bank Exposure Rules Gazetted

By Garima Chitkara | 21/05/2018

Government close to finalising legislative framework that will enable the HKMA to set concentration limits for banks’ equity exposures.

Market Infrastructure

ASIFMA: HK Financial Secretary Lauds China as Global Standards Setter

By JP Reimann | 17/05/2018

James Lau said China is becoming a pioneer in setting global standards with an “open and supportive regulatory environment”; HK a “premier listing platform” for mainland enterprises.

Capital / Liquidity

Fitch Downgrades HK Banks due to China Exposure

By Garima Chitkara | 16/05/2018

Fitch Ratings cut its assessment of Hong Kong banks’ operating environment from A+/negative to A/stable because of growing influence of Chinese economy on the industry.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA Reveals Details of Pilot Bond Grant Scheme

By Garima Chitkara | 14/05/2018

Eligible bond issuers can apply for a grant equivalent to half of eligible issuance expenses, including for debt origination and structuring, legal, audit, sales and distribution, up to HKD2.5mn.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong-based Regulatory Alliance Eyes Better Fintech Supervision

By Garima Chitkara | 10/05/2018

Asian regulators, former central bankers and government officials establish information exchange alliance to better regulate fintech, digital payments and cryptocurrency developments in the region.