18 December, 2018
As investment services go digital, Hong Kong regulators have found it necessary to issue tailored guidance to protect investors.
From 6 April and 23 August 2019 respectively, new guidelines from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will increase the regulatory requirements for financial institutions offering investment products via online platforms. They include:
- guidance on how existing requirements for the distribution of products apply in an online context; and
- additional requirements for complex products (which will apply to both online and offline distribution of such products).
Our latest article for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers' Banking Today (November – December 2018 issue) outlines the above guidance and the key points to bear in mind. SFC licensed or registered entities should also note the recent SFC circular of 7 December 2018 which reminds intermediaries to take note of the above guidance on distribution of complex products.
For further information, please contact:
William Hallat, Herbert Smith Freehills
william.hallatt@hsf.com