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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.
China has been promoting its own cross-border payment system as it seeks to hedge against potential weaponisation of the US financial system. Photo: AFP
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

IPO

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

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.

Shanghai’s move marks its first adjustment to commercial property lending rules in more than a decade. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

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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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Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, speaks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP
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.

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.

The yuan has appreciated steadily in recent months. By contrast, the US dollar has remained under sustained pressure, with investor confidence sapped by persistent concerns over the Trump administration’s policy volatility and fears over long-term fiscal sustainability. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

A signboard of China Zheshang Bank is seen at its branch in Beijing on March 14, 2016. Regulators have now tightened oversight of the bank. Photo: Reuters
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.

Stablecoins represent the most widely adopted use case for real-world assets on blockchains. Photo: Shutterstock
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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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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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.

The direct-transfer option reflects broader efforts to modernise payment practices in the property market, according to the HKMA. Photo: Eugene Lee
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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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.

The World Economic Forum in Davos runs until Friday. Photo: AFP
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.

China’s crackdowns

China targets wealthy influencers with audits, fines as fiscal pressures rise

Big data is used to flag income gaps for top online stars and overseas earners, as regulators recover billions in unpaid levies amid slumping land sales and value-added tax revenue decline.

Banking & finance

Letters | 5 years on, digital banks are taking root in Hong Kong

Readers discuss perceptions of virtual banks, vetting of English teachers, and the outlook for Hong Kong.

People use ATMs in Central in 2024. A 2025 survey found a majority of respondents reporting that digital banks could meet at least half of their daily banking needs. Photo: Eugene Lee
China's economic recovery

China cautions against ‘compound errors’ from clashing policies

Party mouthpiece calls for better coordination and market guidance as 15th five-year planning period begins, warning conflicting rules unsettle investors.

The illuminated CCTV headquarters and nearby skyscrapers are seen on November 9 in Beijing. China’s leadership is calling for stronger policy narratives and prompt responses to market concerns. Photo: Getty Images
Banking & finance

Exclusive | HKMA teams up with SFC, Insurance Authority to promote fintech over next 5 years

The HKMA is expanding the city’s generative AI sandbox to include other industries, chief executive Eddie Yue Wai-man says.

IPO

Turning point: China doubles IPOs in 2025 amid eased curbs to boost tech push

CSRC reforms revive fundraising momentum with 115 firms generating US$18.3 billion across mainland China’s exchanges.

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