Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today (December 24) jointly published the consultation conclusions on the legislative proposals for establishing licensing regimes for virtual asset (VA) dealing and custodian service providers. The FSTB and the SFC also launched a further public consultation today for one month on establishing separate licensing regimes for VA advisory and management service providers.

     During the two-month public consultation period completed this August, 101 and 93 submissions were received on the proposed licensing regimes for VA dealing service providers and VA custodian service providers respectively. The majority of respondents, including market participants, industry associations, business and professional organisations, expressed clear support for expanding the regulatory scope to cover VA dealing and custodian services, following the introduction of the licensing regime for the VA trading platform in June 2023. This is considered a critical step to promote the steady and sustainable development of the digital asset (Note) ecosystem in Hong Kong. The respondents also indicated support for the overall direction of the proposed regulatory requirements and implementation arrangements, while suggesting enhancements and seeking clarifications on certain aspects.

     The proposed licensing regime for VA dealing service providers will largely align with that for Type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activity under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) as applicable to conventional securities dealing activities. As for VA custodian service providers, the proposed licensing regime will focus on managing risks relating to safekeeping private keys of client VAs in Hong Kong, which is the core risk area of VA custody, with a view to enhancing the security of client assets.

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The proposed establishment of licensing regimes for VA dealing and custodian service providers marks a significant step in enhancing our legal framework for digital assets. The proposed licensing regimes strike a prudent balance among fostering market development, managing risks and protecting investors. They will help realise our vision for building a trusted and sustainable digital asset ecosystem, with a view to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for digital asset innovation.”

     The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, said, “The significant progress in our VA regulatory framework ensures Hong Kong remains at the global forefront of digital asset market developments by fostering a trusted, competitive and sustainable ecosystem. With an unwavering commitment to responsible innovation, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant yet resilient ecosystem that may bring vast benefits to Hong Kong’s financial markets and the broader economy in the long run.”

     Meanwhile, in response to the feedback received, the FSTB and the SFC also launched a further public consultation today on establishing separate licensing regimes for VA advisory and management service providers, instead of covering the relevant VA activities under the licensing regime for VA dealing service providers as originally proposed. This revised regulatory approach will model itself on the regulatory framework applicable to the conventional securities market, and will provide better clarity as regards the scope of activities regulated under different VA licensing regimes. The further consultation will last for one month, ending on January 23, 2026.

     The FSTB and the SFC welcome views from the public on the proposed licensing regimes for VA advisory and management service providers. Submissions should be sent by post (24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong) or by email (vadealing-consult@fstb.gov.hk) to the FSTB.

     Details of the consultation conclusions, as well as the further public consultation for licensing regimes for VA advisory and management service providers, are available on the webpages of the FSTB and the SFC:

* Consultation Conclusions on Legislative Proposal to Regulate Dealing in VA and Further Public Consultation on Legislative Proposal to Regulate VA Advisory Service Providers and VA Management Service Providers (www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/consult/doc/VAdealing_consultation_conclusion_e.pdf / apps.sfc.hk/edistributionWeb/gateway/EN/consultation/conclusion?refNo=25CP6)

* Consultation Conclusions on Legislative Proposal to Regulate VA Custodian Services (www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/consult/doc/Custodian_consultation_conclusion_e.pdf / apps.sfc.hk/edistributionWeb/gateway/EN/consultation/conclusion?refNo=25CP7)

     With broad market support, and taking into account the feedback to be received in the further consultation, the FSTB and the SFC will finalise the legislative proposals for the licensing regimes, with a target of introducing the relevant bill into the Legislative Council in 2026.

Note: “Digital asset” is a general term with a broad scope, covering, among others, “virtual asset”, which is a legally defined term under the existing Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (December 25) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued to approve an AV trial on specified road sections connecting the “Park & Fly” carpark at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA).

     The entire project connects the “Park & Fly” carpark at the HZMB Hong Kong Port to the SkyPier Terminal of the Hong Kong International Airport, with the approved road sections for the trial running from the “Park & Fly” carpark to the entrance of the Airport restricted area. During the initial stage of the trial, a backup operator will be stationed in each pilot AV at all times to take over control when necessary. The TD’s label for pilot AV shall be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD’s website on AV trials.

     A spokesman for the TD said that the project aims to achieve carriage of passengers gradually after completing the trials. This will provide convenience for self-drive travellers under the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (port carparks) to park at the automated “Park & Fly” carpark and transfer for a flight at the SkyPier Terminal via AVs, providing a better cross-boundary experience. Driving and road safety remain the top priority, and the Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement these initiatives in a prudent and orderly process.

     The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, relevant national or international standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. Among them, the TD has been accepting submissions of the Guobiao (GB) to substantiate that the vehicles or their components comply with the relevant technical requirements and vehicle construction standards. In addition, the operation experience and performance of AV in areas outside Hong Kong (including the Mainland), such as test reports in accordance with the GB, will be taken into consideration by the TD in evaluating the performance of the vehicle automation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs conducted a two-week enforcement operation codenamed “Santa Guardian” from December 8 to 19 to combat counterfeit goods activities involving cross-boundary transshipments with the approach of Christmas. During the operation, Customs detected 28 related cases and seized about 83 000 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of over $36 million.

Customs discovered that criminals intended to ship counterfeit goods abroad via Hong Kong to meet the huge shopping demand with the approach of Christmas. As such, through risk assessment, Customs inspected one incoming lorry at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port Inbound Cargo Examination Building. After inspection, Customs officers seized about 3 600 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $3.1 million.

Moreover, through intelligence analysis and detailed investigations, 27 related cases were uncovered in a number of local logistics companies. In the operation, Customs officers mounted strike-and-search actions against multiple logistics companies, seizing about 79 000 suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, bags, footwear and clothing, with a total estimated market value of about $33 million.

Investigations of the abovementioned cases are ongoing.

Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites and to check with the trademark or copyright owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt to avoid buying counterfeit or infringing goods.

Customs reminds practitioners in the logistics industry to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and to check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt when handling cargoes. The department also reminds traders or online sellers not to sell counterfeit or infringing goods and to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit or infringing goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.

Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.

Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     With Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 24) reminded members of the public to pay attention to their health. Individuals should avoid excessive alcohol, salt, sugar and fat intake, and ensure adequate rest and sleep to prevent compromising the normal functioning of the immune system, which could make one more susceptible to illness. Regardless of whether they are staying in Hong Kong or travelling abroad for the holidays, the public should practise strict personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times, and get seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) early. These measures can help prevent various infectious diseases that are more prevalent in winter or associated with travel.

     “During gatherings with family, relatives and friends, people often unknowingly consume excessive amounts of alcohol or sugary drinks, cakes, desserts, and crispy snacks such as potato chips and fried food. Additionally, the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts a drop in temperatures over the next two days, which may lead more people to enjoy hotpot. During hot pot meals, people tend to add substantial amounts of high-fat and high-salt condiments. Amid the festive atmosphere, I would like to remind the public that it is crucial to control the amount of food intake, opt for high-fibre and low-fat food (consuming more fruit and vegetable and choosing steaming or boiling over frying), reduce the consumption of high-sugar and high-salt beverages and pastries, and maintain food hygiene. Get adequate exercise and rest so you can enjoy the holidays while staying healthy,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
Stay away from alcohol
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Before the festive season holidays, the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) of the Home Affairs Department conducted an operation codenamed “Solar Flare” against premises suspected of operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses and licensed club-houses suspected of being in breach of licensing conditions in Yau Tsim Mong District, Wan Chai District and Central and Western District for five consecutive days from December 15 to 19, to ensure the safety of customers as well as the general public.

A spokesman for the OLA said, “During the operation, the OLA carried out surprise inspections of 48 premises. Six premises were suspected of operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses, and two licensed club-houses were suspected of breaching certain licensing conditions. The OLA will initiate prosecution on cases with sufficient evidence after completion of the investigation.”

The spokesman stressed, “Operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses is a criminal offence leading to a criminal record upon conviction. According to the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, an offender is liable to three years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000. A fine of $20,000 for each day can also be imposed during which the offence continues. A six-month closure order may also be issued for a hotel/guesthouse involved in a repeated offence. Moreover, according to the Clubs (Safety of Premises) Ordinance, an offender who contravenes any condition of a certificate of compliance (e.g. failure to produce a fire certificate on demand and carrying out alteration and addition works without seeking prior approval) is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. A fine of $10,000 for each day can also be imposed during which the offence continues.”

     To enhance deterrence against unlicensed hotels and guesthouses, the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance was amended in 2020 to empower the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Authority to apply to the court, upon the second conviction within 16 months of operating an unlicensed hotel or guesthouse or the new strict liability offence in respect of the same premises, to issue a closure order to close the premises for six months. As at December 15, the OLA has applied for four closure orders under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance from the court, of which two closure orders against two premises have been issued by the court.

     Apart from conducting special operations during festive seasons, the OLA is also stepping up efforts to combat unlicensed guesthouses via online platforms. The OLA has strengthened its intelligence collection by forming a dedicated team to browse webpages, mobile applications, social media, discussion forums, etc., to search for information and intelligence on suspected unlicensed guesthouses. The OLA’s law enforcement officers will initiate follow-up investigations when information on unlicensed guesthouses advertised via online platforms is found. The OLA also conducts publicity work on major Internet search engines outside Hong Kong to enable tourists to access information provided by the OLA in the course of planning their trips to Hong Kong.

Tourists and members of the public can make use of the search functions on the OLA’s website (www.hadla.gov.hk/) to check whether the hotel or guesthouse concerned is licensed or not. Any suspected unlicensed hotel or guesthouse should be reported to the OLA by the hotline (tel: 2881 7498), by email (hadlaenq@had.gov.hk), by fax (2504 5805), or through the mobile application “Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Correctional Services Department has arranged for persons in custody (PICs) to attend activities during the Christmas festive period.

     The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development), Mr Leung Ka-lun, visited Stanley Prison and presided at a Christmas mass today (December 25) to share his faith and Christmas blessings with PICs. He also paid a visit to patients in the institution hospital and conveyed his sympathy and support to them.

     Moreover, the Archbishop of Hong Kong, the Most Reverend Andrew Chan, presided at a Christmas service in Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution on December 22 to preach and share religious messages with PICs, whilst extending his care and good wishes.

     Through the Correctional Services Chaplain, voluntary chaplains and visitors from religious organisations, a variety of spiritual support services are offered to PICs who wish to participate regardless of their religious affiliation. The services include visits, teaching, counselling, and religious and recreational activities.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In view of New Year’s Eve countdown events, the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary, announced special boundary-crossing and corresponding public transport service arrangements during New Year’s Eve and the New Year holidays.

Passenger clearance services at the Lo Wu Control Point will be extended to 2am on January 1. As such, the departure time of the last MTR East Rail Line train from Admiralty to Lo Wu will be 12.56am.

Additionally, passenger and passenger vehicle clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port (SBP) will operate overnight on December 31.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port (LMC/HG Port) will maintain 24-hour operations as usual.

The working group added that only cross-boundary private cars issued with Closed Road Permits for the LMC/HG Port are allowed to use the LMC/HG crossing. Cross-boundary private cars issued with permits for the SBP, LMC/HG, Heung Yuen Wai, Man Kam To Boundary Control Point (BCP) or Sha Tau Kok BCP can use the SBP during early-morning hours on New Year’s Day.

For cross-boundary coaches, services using the SBP during early-morning hours on New Year’s Day, and services using the LMC/HG Port will be stepped up.

To tie in with the special round-the-clock passenger clearance arrangements of the SBP on New Year’s Day, franchised bus operators will operate two special overnight bus routes, namely NB2 and NB3, to provide services to and from Yuen Long/Tin Shui Wai and Tuen Mun respectively.

Furthermore, after the closure of the Lo Wu Control Point at 2am on January 1, travellers may take the specially arranged short-working bus service, route N73, from MTR Sheung Shui Station to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, and transfer to the Yellow bus for their journey to Shenzhen.

Members of the public may visit Easy Boundary to obtain useful information and plan their trips.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police announced today that they have so far arrested 16 people on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, including an external wall repair subcontractor’s male person-in-charge arrested yesterday, and 15 others from various construction companies who were arrested earlier.

All arrestees have been released on bail. The possibility of further arrests has not been ruled out as Police gather evidence through various channels for a thorough and in-depth investigation.

Regarding accommodation support for the affected residents in Tai Po, as of this morning, 489 residents are staying in hotel rooms through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, and 551 residents are staying in youth hostels/camps. Another 3,591 residents are living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, the Housing Society or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.