The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong released its Strategic Priorities for 2024 to 2026. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to advance Hong Kong’s securities markets while addressing evolving risks and protecting investors in a shifting capital market and global landscape.

The SFC aims to maintain market resilience by reinforcing the city’s financial market and infrastructure, ensuring a robust foundation for sustainable and safe market growth.

Enhancing the global competitiveness and appeal of Hong Kong capital markets is also a priority for the SFC, by reinforcing its status as an international asset and wealth management hub and a global fundraising centre, to support market development in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The SFC plans to lead financial market transformation through technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

This includes advancing the regulatory regime for virtual asset trading platforms, fostering a responsible fintech ecosystem, promoting sustainable finance, and combating greenwashing while nurturing sustainable finance talent.

Institutional resilience and operational efficiency are also focal points, with the SFC dedicated to ensuring robust budgeting and internal controls for effective governance in the face of a changing market and regulatory landscape.

Lui Tim Leung, the SFC’s Chairman, said,

“With this roadmap, the Commission is now better placed than ever to respond robustly and creatively to new regulatory challenges at home and abroad and to shape market developments. In particular, we are committed to playing an even more active part in further strengthening Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway to the Mainland and positioning the city as an offshore hub for RMB businesses and risk management, as well as supporting national development and safeguarding financial security.”

Julia Leung, the SFC’s Chief Executive Officer, said,

“The Commission would be on a stronger footing to keep investors out of harm’s way and bring wrongdoers to justice when financial crimes nowadays come in any shape and form, as well as to bring the full range of resources and tools at its disposal to achieve positive regulatory outcomes”.