Securities and Futures Commission

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong to Extend Profits Tax Exemption to Local PE, Hedge Funds

By Editors | 14/12/2018

Under the existing framework, non-retail funds domiciled in Hong Kong are not exempt from profits tax, unlike their offshore-domiciled counterparts.

Market Infrastructure

SFC Concludes Consultation on Enhancements to OTC Derivatives Regime

By Editors | 13/12/2018

OTC derivatives participants will be subject to new risk mitigation requirements, as well as conduct requirements for dealings with group affiliates and related parties.

Capital / Liquidity

IMF Commends Hong Kong for Strong Buffers, Robust Policy Frameworks

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2018

Years of prudent macroeconomic policies and robust financial regulation and supervision will help Hong Kong weather possible domestic and external shocks, the IMF says.

Enforcement

Korean Regulators Become Latest Signatories to IOSCO EMMoU

By Editors | 07/12/2018

South Korea’s FSC and FSS have jointly become the 10th member of IOSCO’s EMMoU, which enables cross-border sharing of audit papers and telecommunications and internet records.

Enforcement

Soros-Linked Fund Manager Fined in Hong Kong for Naked Short Selling

By Editors | 07/12/2018

SFM HK Management Ltd, owned by New York’s Soros Fund Management, was fined HK$1.5mn for short selling Great Wall Motors bonus shares before they were available for trading.

Capital / Liquidity

SFC Revised Code for Funds to Take Effect from January 2019

By Manesh Samtani | 07/12/2018

Amended ‘Code on Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds’ to take effect in January with 12-month transition period. Proposals on classification of derivatives funds have been revised.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Singapore’s First Crypto Litigation Highlights Need for Regulatory Clarity

By Manesh Samtani | 03/12/2018

The outcome of B2C2 v. Quoine could inform regulators’ considerations on the next set of rules for crypto exchanges, which in time may provide greater clarity for investors.

Market Infrastructure

HKIFA Seeks Loosening of HK-China MRF Restrictions

By Editors | 27/11/2018

The industry association has been working with EY on proposals aimed at making it easier to distribute Hong Kong-based funds into China through the mutual recognition scheme.

Big Picture

“Good Progress” On OTC Reform Among G20 Nations – FSB

By Garima Chitkara | 21/11/2018

The FSB found progress in OTC reform implementation on among 24 member jurisdictions, with great strides on trade reporting and higher capital on non-centrally cleared derivatives.