Securities and Futures Commission

Fintech / Regtech

Technology and Regulation: Rapidly Reforming the Funds Industry

By Leo Chen | 25/07/2018

The Asian funds industry is undergoing a period of fundamental change and challenge. This is a result of shifting investor demographics, rapid technological development, the emergence of technology firms and tightening regulation.

Enforcement

SFC Fines HSBC Unit $1.2mn on Bond Solicitations

By Mark Pufpaff | 23/07/2018

HSBC Broking Securities failed to conduct proper due diligence on bonds recommended to clients and to implement effective systems ensure suitability with client needs.

Enforcement

SFC Bans Former StanChart Securities Executive for Three Years

By Mark Pufpaff | 20/07/2018

Joseph Hsu Kay Hing failed to exercise appropriate care in his responsibilities as sponsor principal and responsible officer during the supervision of a 2009 listing application.

AML / KYC

SFC Goes Live with Amended Professional Investor Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 19/07/2018

Holding companies of existing qualified professional investors will gain status as professional investors; intermediaries must obtain confirmation that their shareholders are notified of the change.

AML / KYC

SFC Provide Guidance on Online Client Onboarding

By Manesh Samtani | 18/07/2018

Procedures to verify client identities include obtaining a digitally signed agreement and identity document copy, and the use of designated accounts in the client’s own name only for deposits and withdrawals.

Enforcement

Citigroup unit Fined HK$4mn for Alternative Liquidity Pool Failures

By Garima Chitkara | 11/07/2018

SFC found that due to an incorrect system setting for client profiles, over 130 clients had accessed alternative liquidity pool Citi Match without being assessed whether they were qualified investors.

Enforcement

CCB Hong Kong Unit Fined for IPO Sponsor Failures

By Manesh Samtani | 10/07/2018

SFC has fined CCB International Capital HK$24mn for failing to conduct reasonable due diligence for seafood company Fujion Dongya Aquatics in its 2014 listing.

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.