SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION

Enforcement

Hong Kong Auditor Suspended, Fined for Breaching Independence Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The auditor, who previously held senior positions at the SFC and HKMA, is suspended for 18 months and required to pay HKD 500,000 in penalties.

Securities / Derivatives

IOSCO Adopts Reforms to Bolster Fund Liquidity Risk Management

By Manesh Samtani | 27/05/2025

The reforms aim to better protect investors in open-ended investment funds, reduce liquidity mismatches, and ensure financial stability.

Market Infrastructure

HKTR to Open New ISO 20022 System One Week Early

By Manesh Samtani | 27/05/2025

The HKTR system for ISO 20022 standard implementation will be opened one week early to facilitate industry preparation for the new OTC derivatives reporting regime.

ESG / Sustainability

South Korea to Unveil ESG Disclosure Roadmap Next Month

By Editors | 24/05/2025

FSC to release ESG reporting guidelines in June in the face of industry concerns over Scope 3 measurement and shifting policy in other jurisdictions.

AML / KYC

SFC Alerts Public to Phishing Texts Targeting Brokerage Clients

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/05/2025

Phishing texts are tricking Hong Kong investors into revealing personal data, leading to financial losses, warns the SFC.

AML / KYC

SFC Imposes 5-Month Ban on Former Lion Futures Director

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/05/2025

The SFC banned a former MIC for five months over his role in Lion Futures’ failure to comply with AML/CFT requirements between 2017 and 2019.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Legislative Council Passes Stablecoin Ordinance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/05/2025

The ordinance, set to take effect later this year, will require issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins to be licensed by HKMA to be offered in Hong Kong.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC’s Marketing Sounding Guidelines Are Challenging for Some Firms

By Manesh Samtani | 19/05/2025

Market practitioners say some firms might not be able to “strictly comply” with the new market sounding guidelines.

AML / KYC

APAC Regulators to Collaborate on Online Investment Scams

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/05/2025

The SFC said it has forged regional consensus on regulatory collaboration to combat online scams at IOSCO’s annual meeting.