SFC Licensing Application

Licensing in Hong Kong

Empowered by the Securities and Futures Ordinance ("SFO"), the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") is the regulator to oversee the regulated activities in the securities and futures markets in Hong Kong.

Under the Hong Kong's regulatory regime, companies and individuals that intended to carry on the following 10 types of regulated activities in Hong Kong are required to apply for the appropriate type of SFC license unless a specific exemption is applicable:

Learn more about SFC Licence Types: Type 9 Asset Management

Depending on the nature of the business, one or more SFC license(s) should be applied to conduct the proposed regulated activities. We have helped many clients to obtain their licence and advise on their on-going obligations. 

How Alles Helps

Alles specializes in SFC licensing and provides end-to-end solutions to address your needs, covering all aspects from preparation, documentation, submission of application to going through SFC's vetting process.

Here are some frequenly asked questions from our clients when we had the first calls:

1. What are the SFC licence requirements?
2. What type of SFC licence do I need?
3. Do I qualify for any exemptions from SFC licensing?
4. How do I know if my firm will qualify for an SFC licence?
5. What are the key components of an SFC licensing application?
6. How long will it take to get an SFC licence? What happens after I submit my licensing application?
7. What are the competence requirements for a Responsible Officer (“RO”)?
8. How can I be eligible for an exemption from licensing exams?
9. Do I need SFC’s approval for becoming a new shareholder of a licensed corporation?

With our deep understanding of industry practices, our team of dedicated SFC licensing specialists provide tailor-made services to help you deal with everything arising from SFC licensing.

Scope of Services (A Non-exclusive List)

For proposed/existing licensed corporations:

• Application for licence to carry out regulated activities
• New Substantial Shareholder Application
• Change of Licensing Condition
• Change in business scope 
• Application for carrying out securities margin financing activities

For individuals:

• Application for licence to carry out regulated activities
• New Substantial Shareholder Application
• Change of Licensing Condition

Our compliance specialists also:

• Asess and evaluate the background and qualification of the directors, shareholders, and ROs;
• Prepare and draft application documents, including business plans, operations manual and compliance manual;
• Make submissions to the SFC in response to the queries raised;
• Negotiate with the SFC for licensing conditions; and
• Provide other personalized professional services

Compliance requirement varies from situation to situation. You are welcomed to schedule a call with us so we can offer customised services that best fit your needs.

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