Securities and Futures Commission

AML / KYC

SFC Updates AML/CFT Guideline as FATF Assessment Looms

By JP Reimann | 06/07/2018

Proposals include streamlining of customer onboarding processes and a requirement to implement group-wide AML/CFT systems at overseas branches and subsidiaries.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Imposes Enhanced Reporting Obligations on Authorised Funds

By Manesh Samtani | 04/07/2018

Enhanced reporting obligations to include data on liquidity profiles, subscription and redemption amounts, asset allocation, and securities financing/borrowing transactions.

Securities / Derivatives

Mainland Investors Gain Access to HK Stock Research

By Manesh Samtani | 04/07/2018

New rules enable better access to research reports and advice on HK-listed stocks, and opportunities for HK securities firms to distribute their research through mainland firms.

Securities / Derivatives

HK Exchange Tightens Rules on Backdoor Listings, Shell Activities

By Manesh Samtani | 04/07/2018

Hong Kong stock exchange proposes tightening reverse takeover rules and continuing listing criteria to address concerns about backdoor listings through shell companies by firms that may not otherwise qualify.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong SFC Releases 2017-18 Annual Report

By Manesh Samtani | 02/07/2018

Highlights for the year include progress on MIC regime, guidance on online trading platforms, and regulatory collaboration with other agencies.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Finalises OTC Derivatives Framework

By Garima Chitkara | 28/06/2018

HKMA and SFC published conclusions from their March 2018 consultation on LEI requirements, reporting norms and platform trading.

AML / KYC

Non-EU Markets Regulators Seek Formal GDPR Exemptions – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 28/06/2018

New EU data privacy law could put cross-border investigations in jeopardy, leading non-EU regulators including Japan’s FSA and Hong Kong’s SFC to press for formal clarification on application of cross-border information sharing exemptions.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Targets September for OTC Derivatives Margin Rules

By JP Reimann | 20/06/2018

SFC consultation proposes to phase-in IM requirements to avoid market disruption; VM to take effect on 1 September 2019.

Enforcement

China, Hong Kong to Deepen Cross-Boundary Market Surveillance

By JP Reimann | 14/06/2018

Regulators discussed collaboration on market surveillance, intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations, and the establishment of a notification mechanism for cases involving dual listed shares and cross-boundary market misconduct.