Hong Kong

AML / KYC

Westpac Fined in Hong Kong Over Delayed Customer Reviews

By Editors | 31/01/2023

Out of 143 customers who were subject to periodic reviews between June 2016 and May 2017, there were delays in 121 customers – of which 58 were of high risk.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Private Fund Adviser for Failing to Protect Investors’ Interest

By Editors | 31/01/2023

Cardinalasia Consulting and its responsible officer failed to ensure that the manager of the five private funds received appropriate advice.

Market Infrastructure

Exchanges Publish Draft Rules to Expand Stock Connect

By Editors | 20/01/2023

The draft rules cover changes to align the Mainland and Hong Kong’s trading calendars and expand the scope of stocks that can be traded via Stock Connect.

AML / KYC

HKMA Consults on Changes to AML/CFT Guideline for Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 19/01/2023

Banks must perform CDD on customers transferring virtual assets. Digital ID system iAM Smart can be used for identity verification.

AML / KYC

HK Customs “Smashes” Syndicate That Laundered HK$6b

By Editors | 18/01/2023

A money laundering operation centre was being run from an apartment at a large private housing estate. The syndicate was “successfully smashed”.

Securities / Derivatives

Shanghai Seeks to Add ‘Green Equities’ to Stock Connect

By Editors | 17/01/2023

The Shanghai regulator is also seeking to explore the possibility of adding bond targets to the Hong Kong Stock Connect.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Samsung Asset Management Lists Hong Kong’s Third Crypto ETF

By Manesh Samtani | 16/01/2023

The ETF traded 92,550 units on its first day, compared to 1,435,800 units traded between CSOP’s two ETFs on their first day last month.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Plans to Allow Retail Access to ‘Highly Liquid’ Crypto Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 12/01/2023

A consultation on retail trading will begin sometime in Q1. The SFC plans to start accepting applications for VASP licences in mid 2024.

ESG / Sustainability

Carbon Markets Crucial to Net Zero Goals – HKEX Chair

By Editors | 12/01/2023

Some obstacles and a lack of trusted marketplaces have stood in the way of wider adoption of carbon markets, says HKEX chair Laura Cha.