The rise in Covid-19 cases has left many employers in Hong Kong contemplating whether they can lawfully require their employees to undergo testing for Covid-19. In times like these, employers find themselves trying to balance their business interests and continuity on one hand, with employees’ concerns and sensitivities on the other. In this article we […]
On 11 December 2020, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the HKEx) published findings from its latest Review of Issuers’ Corporate Governance Practices1 and market practitioners’ insights entitled “Making inroads into good Corporate Governance and ESG management”.2 The review of corporate governance report disclosures in 2019 found a general improvement in issuers’ compliance with […]
On 23 December 2020, the Securities and Futures Commission (the SFC) published a circular to intermediaries1 announcing updates to its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Compliance with Suitability Obligations2 and Requirements for Complex Products.3 A summary of the key updates can be found below: Updated Area Purpose of the Update Updated FAQs Suitability Assessment To […]
Remote working arrangements have become prevalent in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic such as risk of infections, travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Many employers are also considering remote working as ‘the new normal’ given the reduced operational costs. For some employees, remote working may mean working overseas. […]
On 17 December 2020, Hong Kong’s Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (the Steering Group) published its Strategic Plan to Strengthen Hong Kong’s Financial Ecosystem to Support a Greener and More Sustainable Future (the Strategic Plan). The Strategic Plan is aimed at consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a leading green and sustainable finance and risk management centre and […]
The Hong Kong government has commenced implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination programme intended to cover all Hong Kong residents across the territory. Vaccinations are offered free of charge with the stated aim of safeguarding public health and helping to allow further easing of restrictions and a gradual return to normal life and activities. At this […]
On 17 December 2020, Hong Kong’s Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (the Steering Group) published its Strategic Plan to Strengthen Hong Kong’s Financial Ecosystem to Support a Greener and More Sustainable Future (the Strategic Plan). The Strategic Plan is aimed at consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a leading green and sustainable finance and risk management centre and […]
On 24 February 2021, Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, delivered the Hong Kong Government’s 2021/2022 Budget Plan to the Legislative Council. The Financial Secretary emphasised the value of the financial services industry to Hong Kong’s economy, with financial services accounting for 21 percent of GDP in 2019 and its overall share of […]
On 24 February 2021, Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, delivered the Hong Kong Government’s 2021/2022 Budget Plan to the Legislative Council. The Financial Secretary emphasised the value of the financial services industry to Hong Kong’s economy, with financial services accounting for 21 percent of GDP in 2019 and its overall share of […]
A “dawn raid” is the phrase used to describe an unannounced inspection of a company’s business premises or a person’s residential premises, usually early in the morning, often around 9am in the case of business premises. The Securities and Futures Commission (the SFC), the Independent Commission against Corruption (the ICAC) and the Competition Commission, amongst […]
The SFC and Its Scope of Power The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is an independent non-governmental statutory body whose authority is to regulate Hong Kong’s financial markets. The Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO)_came into operation in April 2003 and it contains civil and criminal provisions for dealing with financial misconduct. Commencement of SFC Enforcement […]
On 29 January 2021, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (the HKEx) published its 2020 Review of Issuers’ Annual Report Disclosure. The review focuses on (i) examining issuers’ annual reports in terms of compliance with the HKEx Main Board Listing Rules and GEM Listing Rules (the HKEx Listing Rules), issuers’ corporate conduct and issuers’ disclosure […]