Hong Kong

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Unveils New Measures to Achieve Fintech Vision

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/11/2021

Prototype platforms for green bond tokenisation developed. Commercial Data Interchange enters pilot launch. AML Regtech Lab set for Friday launch.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Virtual Assets Regime Under Review: SFC

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/11/2021

The SFC is considering whether licensed firms should be allowed to provide crypto trading services to clients through omnibus account arrangements, and whether to allow crypto ETFs.

Big Picture

Regtech Can Boost Development of Green Finance Markets – Report

By Editors | 03/11/2021

Regulatory challenges are hindering widespread acceptance of green finance products, says a new paper from FTAHK and LITE Lab@HKU.

Hong Kong Ends Quarantine Exemptions for Senior Finance Execs

By Editors | 03/11/2021

Listed company directors and senior financial industry executives will no longer be able to skip hotel quarantine procedures upon entry into Hong Kong.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong FSDC Declares Support for Proposed SPAC Regime

By Manesh Samtani | 03/11/2021

The FSDC says requiring SPAC shares and warrants to be distributed to at least 75 professional investors could present an “unnecessarily high threshold”.

Enforcement

SFC Fines Fulbright Securities Over Internal Control Failures

By Editors | 02/11/2021

Fulbright Securities breached regulatory requirements when processing placement subscription applications for a Hong Kong-listed company in August 2018.

Securities / Derivatives

FTSE Russell Adds Chinese Govt Bonds to Key Bond Index

By Manesh Samtani | 02/11/2021

FTSE Russell is considering changes to its index which underpins SGX’s China futures contract, reportedly in response to the launch of an MSCI-based contract at HKEX.

Hong Kong Makes Fixed-Rate Mortgage Scheme Permanent

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 01/11/2021

The scheme was announced as a pilot in the 2020-2021 budget and extended last November. Fixed-rate mortgage loans totalling around HKD 400 million have so far been approved.

Enforcement

HK ICAC Charges Property Agent With Mortgage Loan Fraud

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 01/11/2021

The property agent Chiu Ka-wai applied for a mortgage loan with HSBC and falsely represented that the property was for self-occupancy.