Chart 3
300
250
No of Contracts (Million)
4
Financial and Monetary Affairs
HKFE Turnover of Derivatives
296
200
215
190
150
188
142
100
50
0
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Year
At the end of 2018, there were 46,254 licensed corporations and individuals, including securities brokers, futures dealers, investment and corporate finance advisers and fund managers as well as their representatives, and 117 registered institutions, such as banks, engaging in regulated activities such as dealing in and advising on securities and futures.
There were also 48 SFC-authorised automated trading services providers. Most were overseas exchanges and clearing houses that provided automated trading services by means of electronic facilities to transact or settle transactions in securities, futures and OTC derivatives.
Statistics on Licensing for SFC-regulated Activities (year end)
2016
2017
2018
Licensed entities
Of which:
42,544
44,050
46,254
Licensed corporations Licensed individuals
2,411
2,660
2,905
40,133
41,390
43,349
Registered institutions
121
119
117
Recent Developments
During the year, amendments to the Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buy-backs took effect to enhance investor protection and ensure a fair and informed market. Rule amendments standardising the prescription of professional investors to promote consistent application of the regulations also became effective.
The SFC amended its guidelines on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing to align with the latest international standards and industry developments, and to allow firms. more flexibility under the risk-based approach in complying with some of the requirements.
In the light of growing investor interest in virtual assets and the significant investment risks involved, the SFC announced a conceptual framework for the potential regulation of virtual asset trading platforms, with a view to exploring whether these platforms are suitable for
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