Securities and Futures Commission

AML / KYC

Intermediaries Should Lay Down Anti-bribery Policies: SFC

By Editors | 21/12/2020

Intermediaries should draw reference from the sample code of conduct issued by the ICAC and provide appropriate training to directors, staff members and agents.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Consults on Amendments to Code on Pooled Retirement Funds

By Editors | 20/12/2020

Given the wide participation in Hong Kong by employers and employees in ORSO schemes which invest in PRFs, appropriate investor protection should apply.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong Launches Strategic Plan for Greener Financial Ecosystem

By Manesh Samtani | 17/12/2020

A cross-agency steering group has announced a green and sustainable finance strategy for Hong Kong and five key action points.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Issues First Licence to Digital Asset Trading Platform

By Editors | 16/12/2020

The licences permit OSL Digital Securities to operate regulated brokerage and automated trading services for digital assets.

Fintech / Regtech

Improving Operational Resilience: A Priority for the Year Ahead

By David LaFalce | 14/12/2020

DTCC’s David LaFalce highlights the need for firms to remove manual processes, re-evaluate their interconnectedness, and seek out opportunities for industry collaboration.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC to Raise Competency Bar for Licensees, With Some Flexibilities

By Editors | 13/12/2020

Among the changes, the SFC proposes tougher requirements for advisers on Takeovers Code transactions, to address concerns about the poor quality of work in this area.

Market Infrastructure

Data Storage Rules: A Christmas Present From the SFC

By Derek McGibney | 11/12/2020

While the SFC’s new FAQs on the use of cloud storage make compliance more manageable, licensed corporations still need to weigh their options, says Derek McGibney at Cognitive GRC.

Market Infrastructure

SFC Provides Alternative for Compliance With Data Storage Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 10/12/2020

The SFC will accept an undertaking from core function MICs as an alternative means of satisfying the requirement for a countersigned notice or undertaking from an EDSP.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Amendments to REIT Code Have Taken Effect

By Editors | 08/12/2020

The SFC has also adopted a more streamlined approach to compliance with requirements regarding vetting and approval of REIT-issued announcements and circulars.