Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) requires individuals and entities involved in ten “regulated activities” to be license by or registered with the SFC.

As the gatekeeper of standards for individuals and corporations seeking to enter the securities and futures markets of Hong Kong, the SFC is enshrined with the role of granting licenses to those who are appropriately qualified and can demonstrate their fitness and properness to be licensed under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) and maintain a public register of licensed persons and registered institutions.

The SFC also participates in monitoring the on-going compliance of licensing requirements by licensees, substantial shareholders of licensed corporations, directors of licensed corporations and substantial shareholders. The SFC also initiates policies on licensing issues.