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Padraig Walsh
New SFC Circular streamlines licensing for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
In this news update, Pádraig Walsh from our Fintech practice group looks at the streamlined licensing process for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) introduced for all applicants by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in its 16 January 2025 Circular[1]. Streamlined licensing process This Circular…Read More
Looking back, looking forward: Highlights and prospects in Hong Kong fintech regulation
The fintech landscape in Hong Kong witnessed significant regulatory developments in 2024. More lies ahead for 2025 with several regulatory initiatives in prospect. In this article, Pádraig Walsh from our Fintech team highlights three key developments in 2024, and foreshadows three possible highlights in the…Read More
Not yet the last word on efforts to scrap scraping
In our legal update of 3 October 2023 (link), we reported that the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong (“PCPD”) joined the international effort along with eleven other privacy authorities in issuing a joint statement in respect of illegal data scraping practices. The…Read More
Broadcasting and media regulation in Hong Kong: An overview
1. Legal and enforcement framework 1.1 Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern media in Hong Kong? For present purposes, we define ‘media’ as encompassing television broadcasting, sound broadcasting, print and film. Media in Hong Kong is primarily governed by the following legislation: 1.2 Which bodies…Read More
Whose DAO Is it Anyway?
Litigation involving Decentralised Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) continues to be a rare occurrence, as legal frameworks surrounding cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies continue to evolve. The case of Mantra Dao Inc. and Another v. John Patrick Mullin and Others [2024] HKCFI 2099 presents a unique scenario, shedding…Read More
Looking back, looking forward: Highlights and prospects in Hong Kong data privacy regulation
There is never a dull moment in data privacy and protection. The global landscape is becoming increasingly complex with overlapping regulation and lack of international convergence. Although Hong Kong does not have these issues yet, 2024 witnessed some significant developments in 2024, setting the stage…Read More
Internet Regulation in Hong Kong: An overview
1. Legal and enforcement framework 1.1 Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern the internet in Hong Kong? An internet service provider (ISP) will need a telecommunications licence to provide internet services in Hong Kong. It is for this reason that certain responses below refer to…Read More
Telecom Regulation in Hong Kong: An overview
1. Legal and enforcement framework 1.1 Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern telecommunications in Hong Kong? Telecommunications in Hong Kong is primarily governed by the following legislation: 1.2 Which bodies are responsible for enforcing the applicable laws and regulations in the telecommunications sector? What powers do…Read More
Social media regulation in Hong Kong: An overview
1. Legal and enforcement framework 1.1 Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern social media in Hong Kong? The most relevant legislative and regulatory provisions in respect of social media are the following: 1.2 Which bodies are responsible for enforcing the applicable laws and regulations in the social…Read More
The Hong Kong Market Entry Playbook
Hong Kong has a long history as a business-friendly location and regional hub to access markets in China and the Asia Pacific region. In this article, we explain key points about Hong Kong as a regional and international business centre, and how to establish your…Read More
DAO and the Law: The Future
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) are an emerging method for organising community based activities using blockchain technology. In the final article in this series exploring legal issues related to DAOs in Hong Kong, Pádraig Walsh from the Digital Services and Fintech practice of Tanner De Witt…Read More
DAOs and the law: Enforcement
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) are an emerging method for organising community based activities using blockchain technology. In the fourth of a series of articles exploring legal issues related to DAOs in Hong Kong, Pádraig Walsh and Shirley Kong from the Digital Services and Fintech practice…Read More
