On November 28, 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published the guideline on Digital Bond Grant Scheme (DBGS). As acknowledged in the 2024 Policy address, the DBGS is part of the Hong Kong Government and HKMA’s...more
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has further enhanced consumer protection by issuing a circular prescribing a 7-day cooling-off period for customers to reconsider credit products....more
Upcoming global developments for the payment sector - Asia - 1. Hong Kong: Launch of Phase 2 of the e-Hong Kong Dollar Pilot Programme - On September 23, 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced the...more
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has imposed additional principles on the use of big data analytics and artificial intelligence (BDAI) and specifically, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by authorized...more
The government will enact the new legislation to bring issuers of fiat-referencing stablecoins into the regulatory perimeter. On 17 July 2024, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary...more
Regulator sets out its expectations for banks looking to provide digital asset custody services, and sell and distribute tokenised products. On 20 February 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published two...more
On 28 February 2024, Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, delivered the 2024-25 Budget (the “Budget”). Starting off by acknowledging the “challenging external environment” including “heightened geopolitical...more
U.S. Companies Announce Crypto Cashback and NFT Ticketing Initiatives - According to recent reports, a major U.S. credit card company has partnered with Swoo, a mobile wallet blending traditional and crypto payments, to...more
Implementation of Basel Committee cryptoassets standard to provide additional clarity for banks looking to engage in cryptoassets business. On 7 February 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released a...more
On 27 December 2023, the Hong Kong Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) jointly issued a consultation paper (the Consultation) proposing regulatory regime for...more
Opening the door for retail Investors: SFC-authorized virtual asset funds On 22 December 2023, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a circular on SFC-authorized funds with exposure to virtual assets...more
Hong Kong has seen cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, highlighting the need for appropriate licensing regimes (implemented in the form of virtual asset service providers (VASPs)), bolstered by active enforcement actions. ...more
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently announced in a circular its expected standards for the sale and distribution of green and sustainable investment products by registered institutions (RIs). This is to ensure...more
The proposed regulatory framework would create substantive obligations on issuers of fiat-referencing stablecoins to safeguard the public. On 27 December 2023, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and...more
Revamped SFC and HKMA guidance applies to intermediaries that distribute products or provide dealing, advisory, and asset management services related to virtual assets. On 20 October 2023, the Hong Kong Monetary...more
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong’s de facto central banking institution, issued a directive for banks setting out high-level principles on planning for a transition to a net-zero economy. In a “Dear CEO”...more
The HKMA and the SFC permit relaxation of suitability and other regulatory requirements while dealing with high-net-worth and experienced investors. On 28 July 2023, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the...more
Wealth managers and advisers, and distributors in relation to non-retail investment products, for example interests in private equity funds or hedge funds, sustainability linked bonds and other private capital related...more
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on 12 January 2022 issued a discussion paper on Crypto-assets and Stablecoins. The HKMA received over 50 responses from the public and issued its "Conclusion on Discussion Paper on...more
In this new series, we will provide an overview of recent noteworthy developments in the digital asset space around the world. The start of February was a busy period for regulators in the United States, where the US...more
In January 2022, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a Discussion Paper on Crypto-assets and Stablecoins, inviting industry comments on the regulatory approach of crypto-assets, in particular payment-related stablecoins....more
On 26 January 2022, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published its fifth edition of the Regtech Adoption Practice Guide (the Guide) focusing on cyber risk management regulatory technology (Regtech) solutions. The Guide...more
Regulators released comprehensive guidance to banks, intermediaries, and insurers on virtual asset-related activities. Key Points: ..Banks and intermediaries looking to provide distribution, dealing, and advisory...more
Key developments of interest over the last month include: Hong Kong: HKMA issues Discussion Paper on crypto and stablecoins Ireland: Central Bank publishes "Dear CEO" letter on supervisory expectations for payment and...more
The HKMA’s discussion paper seeks feedback on its proposed regulatory approach to stablecoins, with responses due by 31 March 2022. On 12 January 2022, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong’s principal...more