Hong Kong
HKMA preparing law amendments for proposed two-tier bankings system
                                                                                 
                    
                    The central bank has published results of its consultation and new parameters added.
                
                                
            HKMA preparing law amendments for proposed two-tier bankings system
                                                                                                                 
                            
                            The central bank has published results of its consultation and new parameters added.
                        
                                                
                        
    
                    HKMA rules out new virtual banking licenses
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Competition is keen in the market and enquiries have declined.
                    
                                        
                    
                HK virtual banks' record 2.2 million depositors by end-2023
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Hong Kong's eight licensed virtual banks experienced modest growth over the past three years.
                    
                                        
                    
                Fusion Bank unveils business loans with up to $5m financing
                                                                                                 
                        
                        One loan is for businesses at least three years old.
                    
                                        
                    
                Mox Bank opens platform to crypto-related investing
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Mox Invest users can access and invest in crypto ETFs.
                    
                                        
                    
                HKMA proposes simplification of three-tier banking system
                                                                                                 
                        
                        It aims to simplify DTCs to second-tier institutions.   
                    
                                        
                    
                Less Hong Kong SMEs find credit approval more difficult in Q2
                                                                                                 
                        
                        But more SMEs now find securing debt “easier” as well.
                    
                                        
                    
                Hong Kong banks expand fraud alert system to retail transactions
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Customers will receive alerts for “high fraud risk” fund transfers, amongst others.
                    
                                        
                    
                Hong Kong, China ink MOU for linkage of fast payments systems
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Central bankers also discussed financial cooperation between their markets.
                    
                                        
                    
                ZA Bank enables users to earn 8% p.a. Savings rate by walking daily
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Users must complete fitness challenges in August.
                    
                                        
                    
                Hang Seng Bank’s profits up 1% to HK$11.3b in H1
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Net interest income and net operating income both rose.
                    
                                        
                    
                HSBC’s profits after tax dip 2% to $17.7b in H1
                                                                                                 
                        
                        The bank recognized a $1.2b impairment for the sale of its Argentina business.
                    
                                        
                    
                BOCHK to conduct system maintenance on 4 August
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Some services will be unavailable until 12NN.
                    
                                        
                    
                Eddie Yue reappointed chief exec of Hong Kong central bank
                                                                                                 
                        
                        His annual fixed pay is $7.4m for the five-year term.
                    
                                        
                    
                CashOn launches digital currency lending matching platform in Hong Kong
                                                                                                 
                        
                        CashOn connects customers to licensed financial institutions.
                    
                                        
                    
                KPay merchants can now accept payments from HSBC’s PayMe app
                                                                                                 
                        
                        Over 33,000 merchants in KPay’s Hong Kong network can now accept PayMe payments.
                    
                                        
                    
                ZA Bank rolls out reserve banking services to stablecoin issuers
                                                                                                 
                        
                        It has on boarded RD InnoTech and is onboarding 10 other issuers.