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Financial regulation

Financial regulation
Key developments in regulation of financial markets with a focus on those in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Illustration: Henry Wong
Banking & finance

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

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Corruption in China

Chinese financial regulator and ex-corruption fighter Zhou Liang under probe

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Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

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China economy

How China plans to use new law to further its financial superpower ambitions

The draft finance law, released by the Ministry of Justice, central bank and three other regulators, will solicit feedback until April 19.

A draft of China’s finance law was released by the People’s Bank of China and four other regulators on Friday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Market regulator will soon begin inspection of investment banks amid concerns about deficiencies in listing documents and misconduct.

Banking & finance

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

Beijing has removed several key restrictions on its payment system, allowing it to expand beyond yuan settlements, economist says.

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Hong Kong stock market

SFC urges Hong Kong stock exchange to tighten listing, compliance rules

The Securities and Futures Commission made several recommendations to improve the stock exchange’s regulations.

The Securities and Futures Commission has made a series of recommendations to improve the stock exchange’s oversight of companies. Photo: Shutterstock
IPO

China’s tightened IPO rules for some ‘red chips’ in Hong Kong raise concerns

The CSRC asks some Hong Kong listing candidates to change their red-chip structure and issue H shares.

China property

Shanghai joins major cities in loosening commercial property loan rules

Beijing remains the lone top-tier holdout as other cities ease their down payment requirements.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Zero tolerance for insider trading central to Hong Kong’s financial future

Crackdown on wrongdoers a welcome sign of regulatory vigilance that is vital to the city’s role as an international finance hub.

Hong Kong regained its title as the No 1 market for IPOs last year. Photo: Sun Yeung
HKEX

HKEX unveils biggest listing reforms since 2018 to lure diverse innovative firms

Bourse operator lowers bar for companies with weighted voting rights and expands the confidential filing option for all listing candidates.

HKEX has carried out many reforms to make it easier for companies to list in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters
Two Sessions 2026

What 2 new laws at ‘two sessions’ mean for China’s financial superpower push

Two new laws may prove wide-ranging, spanning yuan’s global status to green finance and turning ambition into codified rules, analyst says.

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Banking & finance

Macroscope | How global debt is sowing the seeds of financial collapse

Markets have so far shrugged off wars and trade conflicts, but the rapid rise of already massive debt should alarm investors.

China stock market

China’s market regulator vows more oversight to shore up confidence

Crackdown on fraud, stronger governance, higher dividends and more buy-backs will enhance appeal of Chinese assets, CSRC chief Wu Qing says.

Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, speaks at a press conference during the Fourth Session of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 6, 2026. Photo: EPA
Banking & finance

HSBC signals intent to join Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime amid digital hub push

Georges Elhedery declined to confirm whether HSBC applied for stablecoin licence but indicated that discussions with regulator were ongoing.

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery poses for a photograph in Hong Kong on February 26, 2026. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Yuan

China’s yuan strengthens to near 3-year high as US dollar uncertainty grows

The offshore currency continues to appreciate, with official fixing also hitting its strongest level since May 2023.

Banking & finance

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

From the yuan’s growth as a global currency to IPO funding to tokenisation, the city is a linchpin in Beijing’s ambitions.

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Mainland China

UBS China venture faces wrath of silver investors after valuation change

More than 200,000 people file complaints as UBS SDIC’s attempted remedy for sudden change of fund’s price benchmark falls flat with some.

Silver bars weighing 500 grams are displayed at the Austrian Gold and Silver Refinery in Vienna on February 3, 2026. Photo: AFP
Banking & finance

China puts another big bank under stricter watch – why now?

Beijing continues to impose stricter regulatory standards on major lenders, shielding the financial system from mounting strains.

Cryptocurrency

Scams and outflows: why China slammed the door on real-world asset tokens

Beijing’s clampdown aims to help safeguard financial security and monetary sovereignty while leaving room for regulated fintech innovation in Hong Kong.

Banking & finance

Farmers’ son banker Xu Yiding under probe by China’s anti-corruption watchdog

The Agricultural Development Bank of China vice-president was once held up as a model figure for finance-driven poverty reduction.

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Xu Yiding, awarded the the National Poverty Alleviation Innovation Award in 2017, is undergoing “disciplinary review and investigation”. Photo: Handout
China trade

UK, China boost financial ties, deepen London’s role as offshore yuan hub

New pact designates a new yuan clearing bank, boosts cross-listings and expands green finance, accelerating the international use of China’s currency.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, China, last Friday. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong property

Expanded Hong Kong scheme allows resale homebuyers to pay sellers directly

HKMA launches a direct transfer option for second-hand property transactions, replacing the traditional escrow system managed by law firms.

China’s private sector

China’s gold trading hub on edge: what is happening – and why now?

Uncertainty spreads in Shuibei as second platform falters, spooking investors.

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China's space programme

Opinion | As China opens up its space sector, Hong Kong should reach for the stars

With deep capital markets and globally aligned legal practices, the city can support a competitive Chinese space programme that shapes global standards.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Bitcoin

Hong Kong crypto investors stay cautious but upbeat as bitcoin sell-off deepens

Bitcoin’s steep pullback has rattled global crypto markets, but in Hong Kong clearer rules on stablecoins are underpinning confidence.

Hong Kong is hoping to position itself as a digital asset hub. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong promotes ‘responsible and sustainable’ digital asset regime at Davos

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says finance and technology are ‘mutually reinforcing’ but balanced approach needed to support development.

China stock market

China pushes slow bull run with tightened margin financing rules

‘Investors should reduce their leverage levels to guard against the risk of volatility,’ BOC International’s Wang Jun says.

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