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Financial and Monetary Affairs

responsible for processing applications related to money lenders licences and maintaining a register of money lenders for inspection by the public.

The registry operates as a trading fund department, allowing it to deploy its resources more flexibly to meet public demands and expectations.

The Integrated Companies Registry Information System provides electronic search services and about 99 per cent of company searches are now conducted online. Electronic Certificates of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificates can normally be issued together in less than one hour after receipt of the applications through the e-Registry portal (www.eregistry.gov.hk).

The electronic filing service at the e-Registry portal also covers submission of annual returns for private companies as well as the more commonly filed specified forms for reporting changes of company information. A Company Search Mobile Service (www.mobile-cr.gov.hk) is also available to enable company searches through mobile devices.

Companies Registry Statistics (year-end)

Local companies incorporated

Local companies on the register

Non-Hong Kong companies registered

Non-Hong Kong companies on the register

2011

2012

2013

148,329

150,165

174,031

956,392

1,044,644

1,162,931

798

686

780

8,554

8,848

9,258

Bankruptcies, Individual Voluntary Arrangement and Compulsory Winding-up The Official Receiver (OR)'s Office ensures that service in personal and corporate insolvencies is of high quality on a par with international standards.

When acting as the trustee-in-bankruptcy or liquidator, the OR or a private sector insolvency practitioner investigates the affairs of the bankrupt or the wound-up company, realises assets and distributes dividends to creditors. The OR also prosecutes insolvency related offences under the Bankruptcy Ordinance and the Companies Ordinance, applies for disqualification orders against unfit company directors of wound-up companies, and monitors the conduct of outside liquidators and trustees, and the liquidation monies.

Statistics on Bankruptcy Orders, Interim Orders in Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and Winding-up Orders

Bankruptcy Orders

Interim Orders in IVAS Winding-up Orders

2011

2012

2013

7,981

8,178

9,371

840

778

817

333

312

274

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