Securities and Futures Commission

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong SFC Releases Further Details on Licensing Regime

By Garima Chitkara | 17/05/2018

SFC bulletin highlights areas of concern the regulator considers in granting and rejecting licenses as well as updates to MIC regime; SFC also announced a forthcoming thematic review of MIC regime compliance.

Fintech / Regtech

IOSCO Meets to Discuss Investor Protection, Emerging Risks

By JP Reimann | 15/05/2018

Board to develop support framework to help members address impact of ICOs on investor protection; agree to launch ‘Fintech Network’ to facilitate collaboration on fintech.

Enforcement

SFC Signs Enhanced MoU on Cross Border Enforcement Cooperation

By JP Reimann | 13/05/2018

Enhanced IOSCO framework enables securities regulators to obtain and share audit working papers, telephone, internet records; compel attendance at interviews; provide guidance on freezing of assets.

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.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Issues New Rules on Instant Message Trade Orders

By JP Reimann | 07/05/2018

Regulator requires two years of full records, client authentication and validation, a written contingency plan and compliance reviews for instant messaging use.

Market Infrastructure

Japanese Banks Respond to HK OTC Derivatives Consultation

By Garima Chitkara | 30/04/2018

Japanese banking association asks for 6-12 months grace for implementing LEI requirements; urges for increased incentives to encourage smaller firms to obtain LEIs.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC to More Than Triple Investor Compensation Limit

By JP Reimann | 30/04/2018

Proposals include raising compensation limit to HKD500,000 per investor, covering Stock Connect northbound trading; raising trigger for reinstating transaction levy to fund compensation.

AML / KYC

Postcards from the Crypto Frontier

By Peter Guy | 30/04/2018

Like a wild west cowboy town, Asian crypto-trading has overwhelmed regulatory efforts to control and discourage its growth. But regulatory confusion and misunderstanding have created opportunities and pitfalls.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX Appoints Laura Cha as Chairman

By Editors | 27/04/2018

Industry veteran Laura Cha is first female chairman for a two-year term, subject to approval by chief executive Carrie Lam.