Business Guides

22 Sep 2026 · 8 min read

Foreign Exchange Controls and Your Hong Kong Business

Hong Kong operates no foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar trades freely, and businesses may move capital in and out without restriction. This guide explains what that means in practice, where genuine reporting duties still apply, and how to structure cross-border payments correctly.

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20 Sep 2026 · 6 min read

Setting Up a Fintech Company in Hong Kong: Regulatory Sandbox Explained

A practical guide to establishing a fintech company in Hong Kong and entering the HKMA Fintech Supervisory Sandbox. Covers eligibility, incorporation timelines, SFC and HKMA licensing costs, and suitability for startups versus established institutions.

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18 Sep 2026 · 7 min read

Securities and Futures Commission Licensing: Who Needs One and How to Apply

A practical guide to Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) licensing in Hong Kong — who must be licensed under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), the ten regulated activities, application timelines, exact fees, and suitability criteria for corporate and individual applicants.

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16 Sep 2026 · 8 min read

Understanding Stored Value Facility (SVF) Licences in Hong Kong

A Stored Value Facility licence is required under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584) before issuing prepaid value in Hong Kong. This guide covers eligibility, HKMA application timelines, the HKD 25 million capital requirement, and who genuinely needs a licence.

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14 Sep 2026 · 6 min read

Guide to Payment Service Licences in Hong Kong

Hong Kong regulates stored value facilities and money service operators under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584). This guide covers eligibility, HKMA licensing timelines, exact fees, and which business models fall outside the regime.

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12 Sep 2026 · 7 min read

Invoice Financing and Trade Finance Options for Hong Kong SMEs

A practical guide to invoice financing, factoring, and trade finance for Hong Kong SMEs. Covers eligibility, timelines, exact costs, and which HSIC-classified businesses qualify — grounded in HKMA, HKTDC, and Companies Ordinance references.

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10 Sep 2026 · 7 min read

How Your HSIC Code Affects Your Business Loan Application

Your HSIC code (Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification) is more than a statistical label — lenders use it to assess industry risk, eligibility, and loan terms. This guide explains how your code influences approval odds, interest rates, and documentation requirements, with practical steps to verify and optimise your classification before applying.

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8 Sep 2026 · 8 min read

Hong Kong Business Banking: Comparing the Major Banks for SMEs

A practical comparison of business bank accounts at Hong Kong's major banks for SMEs, covering eligibility, fees, timelines, and suitability. Includes HSIC code requirements and application steps.

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6 Sep 2026 · 8 min read

R&D Tax Deductions for Hong Kong Technology Companies: A Practical Guide

Hong Kong offers a two-tiered profits tax deduction for qualifying research and development (R&D) expenditures, allowing tech companies to claim up to 300% on the first HKD 2 million of eligible costs and 200% on the remainder. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, claim process, timelines, and cost metrics under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).

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4 Sep 2026 · 8 min read

How to File a Hong Kong Profits Tax Return: Step-by-Step

Learn the exact steps, deadlines, and costs for filing your Hong Kong Profits Tax Return (BIR51). This guide covers eligibility, required documents, eTAX filing, and common pitfalls under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).

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2 Sep 2026 · 9 min read

Understanding Hong Kong's Double Tax Agreements (DTAs)

Hong Kong's network of over 45 Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) determines how cross-border income is taxed. This guide explains eligibility, treaty benefits, filing timelines, and cost implications for businesses operating in or through Hong Kong.

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31 Aug 2026 · 7 min read

Transfer Pricing Rules for Hong Kong Companies with Related Parties

Hong Kong's transfer pricing rules under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) require related-party transactions to be conducted at arm's length. This guide explains the documentation requirements, compliance deadlines, and penalties for non-compliance.

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