Securities / Futures Broker-dealers
Hong Kong has its one of the largest stock market in the world. In 2022, there were 2238 listed companies (main board) with a total market capitalisation of HKD30,743 billion, and also provides one of the world’s most active and liquid securities markets. Hong Kong is also one of the world’s most active markets for initial public offerings. Hong Kong has also become one of the most active exchange traded derivatives market in Asia. The derivatives contracts offered include equities futures and options, interest rate derivatives, and commodity futures and options.
We have seen increasing burden in compliance and governance, data privacy regulation, selling of financial products, financial crime, anti-money laundering and KYC processes, all along with huge penalties for the mis-selling or non-compliance for broker-dealers. These present significant risk areas for them, which we can help you navigate the process.
GCC Consulting provides an intergraded approach in dealing with regulatory & compliance, and sustainability communications under one roof to ensure all communications to stakeholders are in one voice.
GCC Consulting specialise in formulating strategies in respect of thought leadership, messaging and strategic communications. We believe that clear communications is so important to meet the expectation of customers and regulators in today’s business environment. Our team are keen to work with broker-dealers with a strong sense of providing positive impact on both society and the environment. We offer a suite of services to help them navigate the challenges presented by the rapid changes in the sector and our services include the following:
- PR, communications and branding strategy
- Media relations and media training
- Content creation and marketing
- Write press releases, business presentation and public speech
- Media briefings and press interviews
- Issues and crisis management
- Reputation management
- Internal communications with staff
- Social media management and digital marketing
- Sustainability and ESG trainings
- Advise on regulatory obligations in respect of provision of securities/ futures contract trading services, investment advices and other asset management businesses, and its respective licensing requirements
- advise on Hong Kong regulatory issues in relation to SFC authorization, or licensing as a provider of automated trading services (“ATS”), such as offering and operation of electronic facilities in Hong Kong to directly match and route orders
- advise on mandatory trade reporting and trade clearing obligations under the Securities and Futures (OTC Derivative Transactions – Reporting and Record Keeping Obligations) Rules and the Securities and Futures (OTC Derivative Transactions – Clearing and Record Keeping Obligations and Designation of Central Counterparties) Rules
- Ongoing compliance support to broker-dealers for applicable regulatory requirements under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (“SFO”) and rules, codes, guidelines and circulars issued by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) from time to time, and raise the compliance awareness
- Assist in setting up the compliance framework in suitability obligations, including policies and procedures in respect of the onboarding of investment products, the sale of investment products, product due diligence & disclosure, risk assessment
- Advise on licensing matters
- Health checks for the purpose of SFC examination
- Compliance with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (“HKEx”)’s compliance requirements for trading participant and clearing participant of HKEx (covering both securities markets and derivatives markets)
- Advisory on Anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing matters, including account opening procedures, customer due diligence, and other policies and procedures in respect of Know-your-client for the purpose of compliance with AML/CTF requirements under Hong Kong law and regulatory guidance provided by SFC
