Hong Kong

Securities / Derivatives

SFC’s New Rules on Bookbuilding & Placing Activities: What to Know

By Alan Linning | 02/03/2022

Alan Linning and Susanne Harris explain the new requirements and offer guidance on next steps for intermediaries to prepare for compliance by August.

Enforcement

SFC Permanently Bans Ex-HSBC Employee Over Bribery Convictions

By Editors | 02/03/2022

The former vice president accepted gifts as inducements to handle credit applications and maintain the credit facilities for two companies controlled by a client.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC, HKMA Launch Joint Review of Investment Product Selling Practices

By Editors | 02/03/2022

The review’s objectives are to assess intermediaries’ compliance with requirements to perform product due diligence, conduct suitability assessments and provide information to clients.

Enforcement

HK Court Offers Questionable Rationale in Insider Dealing Case

By Tom Fyfe | 01/03/2022

The court’s decision merely transfers illicit profits to a select group of individuals who were “lucky enough to have traded with the insider”, says Tom Fyfe.

Enforcement

HK ICAC Charges Bank Employee and Two Others for Bribery

By Editors | 28/02/2022

A relationship manager and two representatives of secretarial services companies allegedly offered and accepted bribes to help non-domestic clients open accounts with three Hong Kong banks.

AML / KYC

The SFC Approach to Virtual Assets Prioritises Investor Protection

By Manesh Samtani | 28/02/2022

Since 2018, the steps taken by the SFC to regulate the virtual asset space have prioritised investor protection, first and foremost.

Capital / Liquidity

CBIRC Incentivises HK Cat Bond Issuance by Mainland Insurers

By Editors | 27/02/2022

Preferential treatment in place since 2018 has been extended to mainland insurers that issue catastrophe bonds in the Hong Kong market.

ESG / Sustainability

HK FRC Establishes Sustainability & Climate Action Task Force

By Editors | 24/02/2022

The task force will provide high level recommendations on strategic actions the FRC should consider to promote sustainability reporting in Hong Kong.

Market Infrastructure

HK Budget Includes More Borrower Relief, Capital Market Reforms

By Manesh Samtani | 23/02/2022

Finance Secretary Paul Chan announced measures to further reform Hong Kong’s listing rules, promote the bond market, and introduce yuan share trading in the city.