SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Grants Virtual Asset Trading Platform Licence to Bullish

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2025

The SFC has granted Bullish a licence to operate as a VATP, making it the 10th licence applicant to receive this approval.

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.

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.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Approves First Tokenised Fund for Retail Investors

By Thisanka Siripala | 17/02/2025

The ChinaAMC fund will provide retail investors access to Hong Kong dollar yields through a blockchain-based structure.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong to Lower IPO Hurdles for Mainland Companies

By Mark Johnston | 17/02/2025

Proposed changes expected to be announced later this year aim to lower fundraising thresholds, optimise market structure, and enhance corporate governance.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong to Develop Operational Guidance for Transition Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/02/2025

This year, Hong Kong regulators will also launch an official “green fintech map” and a “transition finance knowledge hub”.