The Financial Markets Of Hong Kong

The financial markets of Hong Kong have a reputation for volatility, but careful analysis of past behaviour reveals consistent trends and coherent actions. This study, first published in 1991, at a time of uncertainty before Hong Kong’s transfer to China in 1997, analyses each of the financial markets in the colony, and explains the activities of banks, deposit-taking companies, the stock exchange, and markets in capital, gold, futures, unit trusts, and foreign exchange. Examining these in terms of structure, regulation and in competition, it constitutes not just a description but a thorough analysis of the characteristic dynamics of each market.

Financial Markets in Hong Kong is a unique guide to the workings and the legal framework governing all aspects of Hong Kong's financial markets. Drawing upon the extensive experience of its contributors to present a lucid insight into the intricacies of the matrix behind the functioning of financial markets, it is possibly the only book to cover the spectrum ranging from a discussion on the regulatory framework to the various measures implemented to facilitate the further development of the markets to the important role assumed by professional advisers. Given the width of coverage, its clarity and readability, it will prove to be the ideal reference text for those with an interest in the financial sector of Hong Kong. Contributors include Templeton Asset Management Limited, Hong Kong; Standard & Poor's, Hong Kong; Ernst & Young, Hong Kong; Arthur Anderson & Co., Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, among others.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2006, financial regulation around the world has changed dramatically as a result of the 2008 global financial crisis. As one of the world's leading financial centres, international regulatory reforms have had a significant impact on the legal and regulatory system in Hong Kong. This new second edition provides a comprehensive and authoritative single-volume guide to the main areas of financial regulation and financial law in Hong Kong. Given the massive changes in financial regulation globally and in Hong Kong, the second edition has been substantially rewritten and revised to address changes in markets and their legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as the implications of these changes to future market development. The book is in five parts: The first part considers the evolution of Hong Kong's role as a financial centre and the development of its financial regulatory structure, one that is perhaps unusually complex given the size of the jurisdiction. The second part discusses the regulation of the banking, securities, insurance sectors, including the regulatory powers of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC), the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), and the forthcoming Independent Insurance Authority (IIA). The third part covers regulation of financial products and services, including securities offerings and listings, investment products and asset management, financial derivatives, and takeovers and mergers. The fourth part addresses market conduct and misconduct, including corporate governance, market abuse and financial crime. Finally, the fifth part examines the international context, focusing on the relationship between Hong Kong's financial markets and regulation and mainland China as well as key issues for Hong Kong's role as a major global financial centre.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the Hong Kong financial system, a system that has undergone immense change in recent years. Written by scholars and professionals in the finance sector, the book covers all aspects of the financial system--commercial banking and non-depository institutions, the major financial markets, monetary policy, international financial relations, and information technology.

By August 1998, the Hong Kong economy had become threatened not only by the natural consequences of the Asian crisis (1997-98), but also by waves of speculation, betting that the authorities would be forced to abandon the linked exchange rate (to the US dollar). When facing previous speculative attacks (starting October 1997), the authorities had followed traditional policies of raising interest rates. But by August 1998, such policies had helped to batter asset markets; property prices and output were falling, and confidence was low. Moreover, the speculators had developed an ingenious 'double play', simultaneously selling both the foreign exchange market and the Hang Seng equity market short; whether the authorities used an interest rate defense, or abandoned the 'link', the speculators would gain either way. So, the authorities decided on a bold, unexpected and unconventional response to reports of a further attack. They would undertake counter-intervention, again both in the equity and foreign exchange markets. This book provides a fascinating story in itself, and insights into what lessons academics and practitioners can learn from the turbulent events of the time.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the financial system of Hong Kong, a system which has undergone immense changes in recent years. The book, written by scholars and profesionals in the finance sector, covers all aspects of the financial system--commercial banking and non-depository institutions, the major financial markets, monetary policy, international financial relations, and information technology.

The financial markets of Hong Kong have a reputation for volatility, but careful analysis of past behaviour reveals consistent trends and coherent actions. This study, first published in 1991, at a time of uncertainty before Hong Kong's transfer to China in 1997, analyses each of the financial markets in the colony, and explains the activities of banks, deposit-taking companies, the stock exchange, and markets in capital, gold, futures, unit trusts, and foreign exchange. Examining these in terms of structure, regulation and in competition, it constitutes not just a description but a thorough analysis of the characteristic dynamics of each market.