Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong: Licensing of Hong Kong Virtual Asset Trading Platforms to be Announced by End of the Year

BlockBeats News, November 30th. According to the Radio Television Hong Kong website, Ashley Alder, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, stated on November 29th that five ESG rating and data providers have indicated their intention to sign a voluntary code. The code was launched last month and covers four major areas: good governance, systems and controls, conflict of interest management, and transparency.

Alder pointed out that although the Securities and Futures Commission does not directly regulate ESG information providers, it hopes to enhance the fairness and transparency of data collection through the code, allowing users such as asset managers and fund companies to evaluate ESG products more confidently.

Furthermore, Alder revealed that the licensing matters for Hong Kong's virtual asset trading platforms will be announced by the end of the year. This code follows the recommendations of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and helps combat the global phenomenon of "greenwashing" in financial markets, enhancing the transparency of ESG information in the Hong Kong financial market.