Hong Kong

Fintech / Regtech

Cryptocurrency – You Can’t Kill an Idea

By Peter Guy | 05/02/2018

Once in a while capitalism must be rescued from the excesses of bankers and central banks. Governments can’t kill ideas, but it takes them a long time for them to concede or adapt.

AML / KYC

SFC Identifies Product Selling Compliance Failures 

By Samuel Riding | 28/01/2018

Licensed corporations should ensure client suitability when recommending fixed-income and structured products, particularly for complex and risky products.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX Says to Improve Risk Management in 2018

By Samuel Riding | 26/01/2018

Charles Li says HKEX to expand Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Connect to include ETFs, but proposed Hong Kong-London equivalent on the backburner.

Enforcement

HKEX Issues Northbound Stock Connect Market Misconduct Guidelines

By Editors | 22/01/2018

Information pack shows only one divergence between what is considered misconduct in mainland China versus Hong Kong.

Enforcement

HK’s Financial Reporting Council to be Given Extended Powers

By Editors | 20/01/2018

Treasury for Financial Services and the Treasury says FRC to given independent oversight, inspection and disciplinary powers.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong SFC Looks to Optimise Enforcement Action

By Editors | 18/01/2018

New guidance removes threat of criminal prosecution in cases of “non-serious” regulatory breaches and cooperation ‘above and beyond’ regulatory obligations.

AML / KYC

SFC Urges Licensees to File “Better Quality” Suspicious Transaction Reports

By Editors | 17/01/2018

Circular sent to firms following a feedback report issued by the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit.

Capital / Liquidity

HK Hikes Capital Buffer Due to High Credit-GDP, Property-Rent Gaps

By Samuel Riding | 15/01/2018

Central bank chief expresses concern about growing gaps between credit and GDP, property prices and rents.

AML / KYC

HKMA Proposes Open APIs for Financial Services

By Editors | 15/01/2018

Consultation suggests it could take just six months for banks to develop APIs including their product and service information.