CPTEnglishBeginner· Licensing & Regulations

Licensing and Registration Requirements in Hong Kong

A Comprehensive Guide to Regulatory Compliance for Financial Professionals in Hong Kong

Legal & Compliance 1h 58 lessons

What you'll learn

Identify which of the 13 regulated activities require a license or registration under the SFO
Analyze the application of incidental exemptions for corporate operations
Explain the "fit and proper" criteria used by the SFC for licensing and registration
Determine the minimum paid-up share capital and liquid capital requirements for different license types
Evaluate the specific eligibility and experience standards for Responsible Officers
Understand the dual-regulatory oversight between the SFC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Apply compliance standards to emerging sectors like virtual assets and online financial services

About this course

This course provides a technical breakdown of the licensing and registration framework in Hong Kong as mandated by the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO). It is designed to assist CPT-qualified professionals in navigating the obligations required for conducting regulated activities. Understanding these rules is essential for maintaining compliance standards, as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) enforces rigorous oversight to ensure that market intermediaries act with integrity and professional competence. Whether you are operating as a licensed corporation or an individual representative, this course clarifies the boundaries of regulated business and the operational requirements necessary to maintain good standing.

The curriculum addresses the structural requirements for intermediaries, including the distinctions between licensed corporations and registered institutions. Participants will examine the 'fit and proper' test, which serves as the foundation for the SFC's approval process, assessing financial stability, competence, and character. The course also details the technical aspects of the application process, utilizing the WINGS platform, and outlines the ongoing responsibilities once a license is granted. Additionally, it highlights specific regulatory considerations for specialized sectors, including virtual assets, security token offerings, and the integration of online financial services.

Structured to guide learners through the full lifecycle of regulatory compliance, the modules cover exemptions, capital requirements, and the role of Responsible Officers. It also addresses the dual-regulatory nature of the Hong Kong financial landscape involving the SFC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. By the end of this course, participants will have a clearer understanding of the thresholds for regulated activities, the criteria for different types of licenses, and the procedural requirements for managing regulatory submissions and ongoing professional obligations.

Who should attend

Compliance Officers
Responsible Officers
Licensed Representatives
Legal Counsel
Finance Managers at Authorized Institutions
Corporate Secretaries

Key topics covered

Regulatory Framework and Licensing

Analysis of the 13 regulated activities under the SFO
Distinctions between licensed corporations and registered institutions
Application of incidental exemptions for corporate operations
Regulatory approach to virtual assets and digital assets
Dual-regulatory oversight by the SFC and HKMA

Fit and Proper Criteria and Competence

Core requirements for the fit and proper test
Minimum paid-up share capital and liquid capital thresholds
Eligibility and industry experience standards for Responsible Officers
Structural criteria for licensed corporations
Specific requirements for sponsors and REIT managers

Application Procedures and Compliance

Utilization of the WINGS platform for electronic filings
Overview of licensing fee structures for intermediaries
Expected processing timelines and regulatory documentation
Assessment of regulatory refusal and appeal processes
Compliance standards for online financial service delivery

How this course satisfies CPT

This course covers Licensing & Regulations topics recognised by the SFC as eligible for CPT. Upon completion, you'll earn approximately 1 CPT hours and receive a certificate of completion for your training records. The course includes quizzes to verify your understanding, satisfying the SFC's requirement that online learning includes an independent assessment and maintains a reliable audit trail.

Learn more about CPT requirements

Curriculum · 58 lessons

1:13:08.2 of content

1.
Introduction to the Hong Kong Licensing Regime
FREE
0:24.9
2.
Seminar Overview of Licensing and Registration Processes
FREE
1:02.1
3.
Understanding Types of Regulated Activities Under SFO
FREE
1:15.7
4.
General Licensing Requirements for Corporations and Individuals
0:51.8
5.
Registration Requirements for Authorized Financial Institutions
1:10.3
6.
Key Definitions for Financial Intermediaries and Functions
1:11.1
7.
Exemptions From Licensing Requirements Under SFO
0:57.2
8.
Understanding the Incidental Exemption for Licensed Corporations
1:22.9
9.
Key Exemptions for Dealers and Group Companies
1:17.1
10.
Fintech Regulatory Sandbox for Innovative Financial Services
0:51.6
11.
Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Services
0:59.2
12.
Security Token Offerings and Bitcoin Futures Regulation
1:02.2
13.
Regulatory Approach to Online Financial Services
1:17.6
14.
Licensing Considerations for Specific Business Scenarios
1:12.3
15.
Overview of Licensed Corporations and Their Types
0:58.4
16.
Types of Licensed Individuals and Representative Roles
1:17.1
17.
Regulatory Requirements for Registered Institutions
1:05.2
18.
The General Fit and Proper Requirement Criteria
1:05.9
19.
Specific Approval Criteria for Licensed Corporations
1:06.8
20.
Regulatory Requirements for Temporary Licensed Corporations
1:07.2
21.
Competence and Authority Requirements for Responsible Officers
1:09.9
22.
Relevant Industry Experience for Responsible Officer Applications
1:09.2
23.
Special Requirements for Sponsors and REIT Managers
1:15.8
24.
Fit and Proper Requirements for Licensed Representatives
1:11.0
25.
Understanding Different Types of Representative Licences
1:09.8
26.
Approval Criteria for Registered Institutions Personnel
1:17.0
27.
WINGS Platform for Electronic Licensing Applications
0:47.9
28.
Step by Step Guide to Application Process
1:33.3
29.
Overview of Application Fees for Intermediaries
1:24.5
30.
Expected Processing Time for Various License Applications
1:12.8
31.
Understanding Application Decisions and Regulatory Refusal
1:22.8
32.
Special Considerations for Corporate and Individual Applications
1:43.3
33.
Overview of Ongoing Obligations After Licensing
1:11.6
34.
Basic Ongoing Requirements for Licensed Intermediaries
1:34.1
35.
Ongoing Notification Requirements for Licensed Persons
1:50.7
36.
Financial Reporting Requirements for Licensed Corporations
1:20.0
37.
Annual Fees and Returns for Licensed Intermediaries
1:42.2
38.
Continuous Professional Training Requirements for Licensees
1:56.7
39.
Approval Requirements for Changes to Existing Licences
1:42.2
40.
Notification Requirements for Virtual Asset Services
0:43.9
41.
Regulatory Actions and Consequences of Non-Compliance
1:17.3
42.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors and Takeover Advisers
0:58.7
43.
Licensing Considerations for Family Offices and Private Equity
1:07.3
44.
Licensing Requirements for Depositaries and Custodians
1:26.3
45.
Requirements for External Electronic Data Storage Providers
1:03.2
46.
Managers-in-Charge Regime for Senior Management Accountability
1:20.4
47.
Management Accountability Regime for Registered Institutions
1:07.0
48.
Essential Regulatory Resources for Financial Intermediaries
0:60.0
49.
Support Organizations for Businesses in Hong Kong
0:57.2
50.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Licensing Process
1:16.3
51.
Practical Tips for Successful Licensing Applications
2:03.3
52.
Recent Regulatory Developments in Hong Kong
1:57.6
53.
Case Studies of Successful Licensing Applications
1:29.4
54.
Case Studies of Common Licensing Challenges
1:00.5
55.
Future Trends in Financial Regulation in Hong Kong
2:22.7
56.
Key Takeaways From the Licensing Seminar
1:44.8
57.
Final Questions and Discussion Session
0:58.4
58.
Conclusion to Navigating Hong Kong Licensing Regime
1:02.6

Requirements

Basic knowledge of the Hong Kong financial services sector
Familiarity with foundational corporate governance concepts
Access to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) text for reference
Professional interest in regulatory compliance, legal, or management roles

Certificate of Completion

Complete this course to earn a verifiable Certificate of Completion for your CPT training record. Here's how:

1Watch all the lessons — work through every lesson in the curriculum. Each completed lesson brings your progress closer to 100%.
2Pass all the quizzes — score 70% or higher in each quiz within the course. Quizzes are part of the curriculum and must be passed to finish.
3Download your certificate — once you reach 100% progress, download a personalised Certificate of Completion showing your name, the CPT hours earned, and your quiz score.

Sample certificate: