Hong Kong
LME eyes Asian growth while dealing with regulation
Under chief executive Garry Jones, the London Metal Exchange is eagerly pursuing Asian growth. But the exchange is also spending much of its time dealing with the consequences of stricter regulation in more mature markets
Jury out on hedge fund take-up of Shanghai-HK Stock Connect
Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was launched in November 2014 but investors have experienced settlement, custody and regulatory issues and volumes remain lower than expected
The tensions behind Hong Kong's RBC compromise
With more than 150 insurers in the territory, from the largest multinationals to small local firms, Hong Kong has its work cut out to craft a solvency regime that keeps everyone happy
Asset manager concern over Sifi label – Hong Kong SFC
Systemically important status seen as business threat by asset managers
Central bank chief welcomes code of conduct for Hong Kong bankers
The chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) praises stricter code of conduct, which seeks to improve banking culture, promote competition and protect consumers
Hong Kong increases bank capital levels on credit expansion fears
HKMA is first Asian regulator to implement Basel III counter-cyclical capital buffer as consumer borrowing and concerns over house prices prompt concern
New Kospi volatility futures register low volumes
Korea's volatility futures product launched last week, but onerous barriers on retail investors have acted as a drag on the market
First private banks to join Asia structured product platform
Credit Suisse and one other private bank will become the first banks to sign to Melbury multi-dealer structured products platform due to be launched in January next year
Hong Kong warrant market players bullish about 2015
Dealers are predicting up to a 50% spike in business next year but a repeat of the sector's 2005–07 bull run is unlikely
'Umbrella revolution' drives 33% spike in Hong Kong vol
Volatility spikes five points after pro-democracy protestors brought central Hong Kong to a standstill
SFC finally takes a stance on professional investors
The wait for regulatory guidance on the definition of a professional investor has been in the pipeline in Hong Kong for the best part of 18 months, and it has finally arrived from the Securities and Futures Commission
SFC professional investor conclusions look to client agreement
The Hong Kong regulator released the conclusions of its consultation on the professional investor regime on September 25 and has given interested parties until December to respond to proposals on client agreement requirements
Credit-linked notes return to Asia, with added CDSs
Private banks in Singapore and Hong Kong are offering their investors credit-linked structured notes issued by special purpose vehicles that include credit default swaps. Issuers and private bankers suggest they are not complex, as long as they are sold…
Prime brokers set to increase revenues from stock connect
Market divided over whether long-only mangers can access China via the initiative with some broker-dealers saying the integrated bank model offers a solution
Taiwan fixing could fragment offshore renminbi liquidity
Latest CNH fixing will be a boon for Taiwan’s derivatives market, but concerns have emerged over the potential silo-isation of the renminbi market
Divergent nexus rules threaten reporting chaos in Asia
Asia is pioneering how cross-border trades should be reported when they touch one jurisdiction but are booked elsewhere. However, Australia's rules are diverging from those in Hong Kong and Singapore, causing a headache for foreign banks that value…
Korea retail flows push China volatility to a record low
Despite the bearish outlook on the China economy HSCEI volatility levels are at record lows
HK-Shanghai stock tie-up could hit currency volatility
Equity flows could impact offshore RMB but the movements are likely to be limited initially due to daily quota cap
CFTC close to setting out DCO exempt pathway for foreign CCPs
Hot on the heels of HKEx becoming the latest CCP to be granted no-action relief to service US bank branches, the CFTC is edging towards a new set of rules for foreign CCPs not seeking a full DCO licence
Market hits back at Hong Kong plans to bar retail access to dark pools
Securities and Futures Commission move puts Hong Kong at odds with other Asian regulators
China RQFII ETF managers secure capital gains tax exemptions
China AMC and CSOP Asset Management no longer withholding 10% of fund appreciation for capital gains tax provisions
ETFs based on China benchmarks take advantage of new liquidity rules
The launch of European and US ETFs based on offshore renminbi-denominated indexes signal a new development in investment in the currency
Asian private bank clients look to European equity-linked structured products
Prolonged eurozone downturn triggered capital flight away from the region but healthy outlook for equity markets in 2014 is stimulating interest from Asian clients for structured products
Asian clearing houses waiting for CFTC to outline DCO exemption process
SGX still the only Asian exchange with US regulatory approval