Insights

HKEX enhanced requirements on board effectiveness, gender diversity, risk management and dividend policy are introduced to the 2,600 Hong Kong-listed companies, together with relevant additional disclosure obligations.

The Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622 of the Laws of Hong Kong) has been amended to introduce an “implied consent mechanism” for both listed and unlisted Hong Kong incorporated companies to disseminate corporate communication by electronic means. The new mechanism will come into effect on 17 April 2025.

The introduction of the treasury share regime to the Companies Ordinance brings Hong Kong on a par with Cayman Islands and Bermuda. Accordingly, a Hong Kong incorporated listed company will no longer be required to cancel bought-back shares.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited published on 10 December 2024 a report on its annual review (with the aid of artificial intelligence) of listed issuers’ annual reports for the financial year ended 2023.

Our partner Roy Chiang has contributed to LexisNexis International Corporate Procedures, Issue 139, Hong Kong Chapter and published for subscription on 22 January 2025.

With a growing prominence of virtual assets, decentralised autonomous organisations are becoming a critical component of the digital economy.

Our partner Rossana Chu has contributed to Lexology In-Depth: International Capital Markets, Edition 14, Hong Kong Chapter and published on 17 December 2024.

Introduction of the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information within the GBA (GBA SCC) marks a new milestone for cross-border data transfer.

Hong Kong proposes to enact a new legislation tentatively titled the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer System) Bill.

Our partners Rossana Chu, Dennis Yeung, and Sam Wu, together with associate Beverly Fu, of our leading corporate practice team, have co-authored the Hong Kong Chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guides: Equity Finance 2024.

The Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across several service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages.

This article summarises the key aspects of the legislative proposal, including the scope and coverage of the proposed regulatory regime, the licensing criteria and conditions and the powers granted to the HKMA.

The Hong Kong government has announced that it will make a law to enable non-Hong Kong companies to redomicile in Hong Kong.

The revised code and listing rules are expected to take effect on 1 January 2025, with transition periods for certain proposals.

To fulfil the relief condition, the test for “associated”, which is “beneficial owner of not less than 90 per cent of the issued share capital of the other”, has to be satisfied.

In this article, we examine some of the core issues in relation to regulatory investigations which both corporations and individuals should be aware of.

The differences in dealing with corporate actions of a Hong Kong listed company before and after the implementation of Severe Weather Trading.