SFC Regulatory Sandbox

The advantage of the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox is that it will encourage firms to utilise financial technology (Fintech), thereby expanding the range and quality of goods and services for investors, as well as be of benefit to the Hong Kong financial services industry. At the same time the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox will establish a regulatory scheme prior to Fintech being used on a fuller scale.

Given that the underlying technology may be novel, it will be important from market integrity and investor protection purposes, to examine and monitor in a confined regulatory environment, the reliability of the delivery of the firm’s financial services and its internal control systems. Here, the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox may provide a testing ground before the financial services are allowed to be expanded and made available to a wider public in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox would enable qualified firms, through close dialogue with and supervision by the SFC under the licensing regime, to readily identify and address any risks or concerns relevant to their regulated activities

The Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox should not be regarded as a mechanism to avoid relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Accordingly, Hong Kong’s SFC will not remove any regulations that are fundamental to investor protection. For example, a qualified firm operating in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox will be subject to a fit and proper requirement and must comply with the applicable financial resources requirements.  The SFC points out that these obligations are not burdensome, and that the financial resources requirements are a practical necessity for operating a credible business.

The major characteristics of the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox are:

1. EligibilityBoth licensed corporations and start-ups that intend to carry on a regulated activity under the SFO may be eligible to enter the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox. The qualified firm must be fit and proper, apply innovative technologies, and be able to show a genuine and serious commitment to carry on regulated activities through the use of Fintech.It is a requirement under the SFO that no person may carry on a business in a regulated activity unless the person is licensed by the SFC to conduct such regulated activity. Thus, a qualified person in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox will be required to be licensed and comply with the applicable requirements, such as the applicable financial resources requirements.
2. Licensing conditions:For the purpose of minimising risks to investors, the SFC may impose licensing conditions on a qualified firm operating in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox. Licensing conditions may include restrictions on the firm’s business in regulated activities, appropriate compensation schemes for investors, or periodic supervisory audits by the SFC.
3. Closer monitoring and supervision by the SFC:The SFC may place qualified firms operating in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox under closer SFC monitoring and supervision. Here, the SFC may engage in frank discussions with the firms, pointing out compliance areas which require additional improvement, for example, in relation to internal controls and risk management. These discussions will enable firms to refine their business models and deal with any risks or concerns arising at the initial stage.
4. Investor protection measures:Qualified firms are expected to have adequate investor protection measures that deal with actual or potential risks or concerns identified when they operate in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox. For example, qualified firms will be required to inform their clients that they are operating in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox, and give complete disclosure of potential risks and any applicable compensation arrangements.
5. Exit:When a qualified firm has shown that its technology is reliable and fit for purpose, and that its internal control procedures have adequately addressed all identifiable risks, the firm may apply to the SFC for the removal or variation of any licensing conditions. The SFC may then allow the firm to conduct its regulated activities on the same conditions as licensed firms which operate outside the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox. Alternatively, if the SFC considers that a firm in the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox is not fit and proper to remain licensed, it may revoke its license.Hong Kong’s SFC expects that the great majority of applicants for a corporate license, including robo-advisors and other firms making use of Fintech, to be subject to the normal license process without any need to enter the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox. The Licensing Department of the SFC is open for discussions with any firm concerning any proposed application to enter into the Hong Kong Fintech Sandbox, and additional information may be found through the SFC Fintech Contact Point.