Does the SFC need to know if a licensed company moves offices? Yes. A licensed company needs to get the SFC’s prior approval before moving to new office premises. This includes expanding the office to include a neighbouring unit. This is because records relating to the regulated activities are typically kept, whether in soft or hard form, on the office premises.
Does the SFC need to know if a licensee’s company secretary relocates office or if the licensee decides to change company secretary? Depends. If the company secretary only keeps the statutory books and records and does not keep any records relating to the company’s regulated business, the SFC will not need to be notified if the company secretary changes address. However, if the address of the company’s official registered office changes, this will need to be notified to the SFC.
Does the SFC need to know if a licensed company has set up a new branch in Hong Kong? Yes. A licensed company needs the SFC’s prior approval for a new branch. This is because records relating to the regulated activities may be kept at the branch.
For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Yip, Deacons
rebecca.yip@deacons.com.hk
