SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION

AML / KYC

SFC Sanctions Responsible Officer Over Licensee AML Compliance Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/01/2024

The SFC suspended Andy Wong Yeung for 10 months over his role in City International Futures’ AML compliance failures.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HK Spot Crypto ETFs to Drive Collaboration with TradFI Firms

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/01/2024

With regulatory safeguards in place, the success of crypto ETFs hinges on institutional interest tied to market conditions, including crypto valuations.

ESG / Sustainability

HK Regulators Unveil New Sustainable Finance Initiatives

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/01/2024

Hong Kong will adopt the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and integrate transition considerations into policy work.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Sets Out Trigger Events Requiring Disclosure by ETF Managers

By Editors | 03/01/2024

The circular lists examples of events that may trigger ongoing disclosure requirements by management companies of ETFs.

Enforcement

SFC Suspends Former Licensed Rep Over Misuse of Client Account

By Editors | 28/12/2023

The former AE carried out personal trades in a client’s securities account and allowed a third party to operate the account without the client’s written authorisation.

Enforcement

Korea Fines BNP Paribas, HSBC $20.4m for Illegal Short Selling

By Editors | 26/12/2023

The FSC said the naked short-selling transactions lasted for months and were thus were “viewed as not inadvertent but intentional.”

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong SFC to Permit Listing of Spot Crypto ETFs

By Manesh Samtani | 23/12/2023

HKEX welcomed the SFC’s move, saying it will enhance Hong Kong’s role as a leading digital asset hub across the region.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Updates Guidance to Streamline Approval Processes for Funds

By Editors | 23/12/2023

The streamlined measures will enhance the operational efficiency and approval processes of SFC-authorised funds.

Enforcement

Korea Considers Naked Short-selling Penalties for Global Banks

By Editors | 22/12/2023

Last month, Korean regulators said they found that the Hong Kong units of HSBC and BNP Paribas committed naked short selling.