SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION

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”.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Directs Brokers to Address Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

By Manesh Samtani | 07/02/2025

The SFC has set out expected standards after a review of cybersecurity breach incidents found several vulnerabilities at brokers

Securities / Derivatives

SFC to Resume Collecting Annual Licensing Fees in April

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/02/2025

The SFC has fully waived the annual licensing fees for 11 of the last 15 years. The waiver will be allowed to end in March 2025.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA Will Monitor Banks’ Asset Management Activities

By Editors | 31/01/2025

HKMA called attention to an SFC circular which described the misconduct of asset managers as “egregious” and lacking in integrity