Securities and Futures Commission

Market Infrastructure

FundForum: European Policy Impacts on APAC Asset Managers

By Manesh Samtani | 10/09/2018

MiFID II and GDPR have been the biggest European regulations to impact asset management firms in Asia, according to FundForum panellists last week.

Enforcement

HKMA Endorses Benefits of Cooperation

By Will Hallatt | 07/09/2018

The HKMA’s guidance note expressly signals its desire to encourage and facilitate cooperation in investigations and enforcement proceedings, noting time, cost and resource savings for the regulator and institutions or individuals concerned.

ESG / Sustainability

FundForum: Nurturing Growth in Hong Kong’s Asset Management Sector – SFC

By Manesh Samtani | 06/09/2018

The SFC’s Alexandra Yeong says Hong Kong has made great strides towards becoming a global centre for asset management.

AML / KYC

SFC Urges Licensed Firms To Strengthen AML/CFT Measures

By Editors | 03/09/2018

Hong Kong firms need to step up AML/CFT compliance keeping in mind deficiencies and gaps found during the regulator’s thematic reviews and on-site exceptions.

Fintech / Regtech

The Future of Equity Crowdfunding in Hong Kong

By Kristi Swartz | 29/08/2018

Equity crowdfunding may not have specific regulations in Hong Kong, but it is potentially subject to restrictions and barriers to entry under existing rules. Yet, there is room to work alongside regulators to develop and test new products in this market.

Crypto / Digital Assets

The Rise of the Crypto Hedge Fund: Opportunities and Challenges

By Hannah Cassidy | 27/08/2018

Cryptocurrency is fast establishing itself as a mainstream asset class, evident from the emergence of several new crypto hedge funds. However, given the complex regulatory and operational issues involved, it is important for firms to review crypto-related projects carefully and engage with regulators early to avoid costly surprises and delays.

AML / KYC

HKEX Unveils Details of New Northbound Investor ID Regime

By Garima Chitkara | 27/08/2018

HKEX to launch secure file transfer protocol service for exchange participants later this month to ensure smooth transition to new investor ID regime for northbound trading, set for 17 September.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Forex Broker Fined for Mishandling Client Money

By Editors | 23/08/2018

HPI Forex Limited transferred client money from segregated client account to two overseas brokers, breaching the Code of Conduct and the SFC’s client money rules.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong SFC Proposes New Rules For Securities Margin Financing

By Garima Chitkara | 20/08/2018

The regulator has launched a two-month consultation around stronger risk management standards to govern securities margin financing.