Hong Kong Regulatory Update – Fall 2026

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→Hong Kong Regulatory Update – Fall 2026

Hong Kong Regulatory Update – Fall 2026

One Asia Lawyers Group
Munenori Kaku

Securities and Futures Commission, SFC (證券及期貨事務監察委員會): SFC and Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) Sign MoU to Expand Mutual Recognition of Funds and Facilitate a Simplified Dual IPO Listing Framework. On 23 July 2026, the SFC and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand the mutual recognition of funds arrangement and to facilitate a simplified dual IPO listing framework. The arrangement will enable dual listings between the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Bursa Malaysia and is intended to expand two-way investment flows between the two markets, with the framework expected to take effect from September 2026.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority, HKMA (香港金融管理局): New Measures to Support the Development of Hong Kong’s Bond and Currency Markets and Offshore RMB Business. On 7 July 2026, the HKMA, the People’s Bank of China and the SFC jointly announced 11 new measures to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an offshore RMB hub. These include an increase in the Southbound Bond Connect investment quota, an expansion of the RMB liquidity facility from RMB200 billion to RMB500 billion (effective 10 July 2026), and consideration of introducing a tendering mechanism for seven-day offshore RMB liquidity.

Companies Registry, CR (公司註冊處): Companies Registry Releases Statistics for the First Half of 2026. The Companies Registry announced on 16 July 2026 that 122,481 local and other companies were newly registered in the first half of 2026, bringing the total number on the register to an all-time high of 1,609,720. During the same period, as many as 903 non-Hong Kong companies established Hong Kong as their place of business, bringing that total to 16,014.

Labour Department (勞工處): Labour Department Urges Employers and Employees to Make Appropriate Work Arrangements During Tropical Cyclones and Rainstorms. On 25 July 2026, the Labour Department urged employers and employees to make appropriate work arrangements during tropical cyclones and rainstorms. Where employees are unable to attend work due to severe weather, employers may not deduct wages or bonuses, nor may they require make-up work or offset the absence against annual leave.

Insurance Authority, IA (保險業監管局): Insurance Authority Publishes Consultation Conclusions on Enhancements to the Risk-based Capital Regime. On 8 May 2026, the IA published its consultation conclusions on enhancements to the Risk-based Capital (RBC) regime. This concerns amendments to the Insurance (Valuation and Capital) Rules (Cap. 41R), which are expected to take effect on 31 December 2026 following review by the Legislative Council.

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, FEHD (食物環境衞生署): FEHD Steps Up Inspection of Frozen Dessert Factories. The FEHD, together with the Centre for Food Safety, stepped up inspections of frozen dessert factories across Hong Kong and announced the results on 3 June 2026. It also sent reminder notices to all licensees and published new food safety guidelines.

Please feel free to contact Munenori KAKU at any time.

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