Hong Kong Law
Newsletters
Issuers’ Annual Reports Disclosure Review by HKEx
In January 2017, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange released its “Review of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual Reports to Monitor Rule Compliance”, as part of it monitoring of issuers’ compliance with the Listing Rules
TVB ruling on whitewash waiver by Takeovers Panel
On 10 May 2017, the Takeovers Panel ruled that a waiver of the general offer obligation (Whitewash Waiver) should be granted, subject to conditions, in relation to a share buy-back offer announced by TVB.
AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Counter-Terrorist Financing Bill
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance will require designated non-financial businesses and professions to observe statutory customer due diligence and record-keeping requirements
BVI Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System Act 2017
BVI’s Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System Act 2017 came into force on 30 June 2017 to establish a search system facilitating the retrieval of beneficial owner information for corporate & legal entities
SFC clarifies Requirements for Asset Management Activity
The SFC issued a circular providing guidance for existing licensed corporations and individuals seeking to be licensed for Type 9 regulated activity (asset management) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance
SFC Circular on Responsible Officers and Substantial Shareholders
The SFC has issued a circular on responsible officers and substantial shareholders, stating that it is not acceptable to hire ROs in name only; they must in fact supervise the licensed corporation’s business.
Changes to the GEM Rules and Main Board Rules Proposed by the HKEx
The SEHK has published a Consultation Paper on the Review of the Growth Enterprise Market and Changes to the GEM and Main Board Listing Rules. The SEHK proposes to impose higher entry criteria for both boards.
SFC Issues Statement on Listing of Infrastructure Project Companies
The SFC issued a statement setting out factors to be considered when reviewing the proposed listing of infrastructure project companies in Hong Kong in order to maintain the overall quality of the market.
HKEx Consults on Proposed New Board for New Economy Companies
The HKEx published its New Board Concept Paper setting out proposals for the establishment of a New Board, separate from the Main Board and the GEM, to open Hong Kong’s capital markets to New Economy Companies.
Mainland-Hong Kong Bond Market Connect to be Established
The People’s Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority made a joint announcement approving the establishment of mutual access between the Hong Kong bond market and Mainland China’s bond market.
SFC Elaborates on the Liabilities of Directors and Senior Executives of Listed Companies and Senior Management Accountability
In its newsletter, Enforcement Reporter, the SFC discussed director and senior executive liabilities and senior management accountability in listed companies, particularly in relation to fraud and misfeasance.
SFC Authorisation for Leveraged and Inverse Products
The Supplemental Circular on Leveraged and Inverse Products dated 23 December 2016 details the requirements under which the SFC would consider authorising leveraged and inverse products for public offering.