Setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong
This guide outlines the key benefits and requirements for setting up a fund management company in Hong Kong, highlighting its regulatory environment and access to global markets.
Hong Kong’s strong infrastructure and attractive tax system have developed it into a leading asset management centre, where Fund Management Companies can manage fund operations with a presence and substance. In fact, fund management continues to be one of the main Regulated Activities in Hong Kong, with approximately 2,300 (as of 7 May 2025) Type 9 Licensed Corporations in existence.
Regulation and licensing of Fund Management Companies in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Fund Management Companies are regulated by the Cap.571 Securities and Futures Ordinance Cap 571 (SFO). In order to conduct the regulated activity of fund management, a fund management company must obtain either registration (for Registered Institution) or license (for Licensed Corporation) from the Securities and Futures Commission ( SFC) for the Type 9 license – Asset Management in accordance with schedule 5 of SFO.
Understanding regulatory obligations and benefits
It is important to ensure full understanding of all regulatory obligations when setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong, including any ongoing risk management and compliance obligations. Waystone has produced a comprehensive overview for fund managers wishing to set up a fund management company in Hong Kong.
Guide to setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong
Our ‘Guide to Setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong’ covers areas such as:
- licensing
- benefits of setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong
- a summary of the requirements
- AML/CFT obligations
- audit and ongoing compliance obligations
- tax implications
- types of funds available.
How can Waystone help?
Waystone provides a comprehensive suite of services for Fund Managers wishing to set up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong. Our dedicated APAC compliance team has extensive knowledge and diverse experience and is well-equipped to provide clients with bespoke, risk-focused, and cost-effective solutions.
Our Hong Kong regulatory compliance services
Our regulatory compliance services include the following:
- Setting up your business – we will incorporate the appropriate structure.
- License Application – we will analyse your business type and help you put a regulated business plan together with your license application. We’ll also check all relevant documentation to be provided to the SFC prior to the submission of your license application.
- Compliance Policies and Procedures – we ensure that your policies and procedures are adequately set up to complement your business strategy.
- Risk Management and Corporate Governance – we set up your Risk Management Framework and Compliance Monitoring Plan to ensure that the implemented policies and procedures are executed accordingly.
- Compliance Monitoring and Ongoing Compliance – our team will be ready to assist you with any queries or questions relating to your fund management company.
If you would like to find out more about how we can support you with setting up a Fund Management Company in Hong Kong, please reach out to our team below.