Eternity Law International News Money Service Operator License in Hong Kong

Money Service Operator License in Hong Kong

Published:
January 22, 2021

If a company provides services in financial field, it must obtain a MSO – Money Service Operator license, which is issued by the Department of Customs Duties and Excise (CCE). This license required in accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Ordinance, Chapter 615 of the Hong Kong Code of Laws (AMLO).

Under the current legal framework, funds management is identified as transactions carried out to exchange currencies and transfer funds within or from Hong Kong SAR directly. The currency exchange service is providing the successful implementation of transactions involving the exchange of funds for local currency. The remittance service includes sending funds to any of the countries and within the territory of Hong Kong, receiving funds in Hong Kong and beyond its territory. Financial companies provide this type of services.

The license is issued for 2-year period. After the end of this period, if the company decides to continue its work in this field, it is necessary to renew the license within 45 days before it becomes invalid. The license will be renewed only in the case of positive work experience.

Both a local company and a non-resident company can obtain a license. However, despite this, there is a requirement to have your own or rented office in Hong Kong.

After the license has been issued, the licensee is obliged to

  1. notify the relevant authorities of suspicious transactions;
  2. develop, implement and maintain an effective AML policy – Anti-Money Laundering;
  3. each member of the company must comply with the ethical and business requirements set forth by Hong Kong law;
  4. to obtain written consent from persons who are in the office during the conduct of inspections in his firm;
  5. the license must be in a conspicuous place in the office space;
  6. file reports with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise within a 2-week period at the end of each quarter, unless otherwise specified individually and approved by written notice. Submission of such a report late may result in the license being suspended or canceled;
  7. to notify about transactions of a suspicious nature in accordance with the requirements specified in AMLO – Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance.

You could be interested

Amendment to Poland's Payment Services Act: Forging Ahead in the FinTech Frontier

Poland’s indomitable presence in the European FinTech arena stands as an enduring testament to its unwavering commitment to financial technology innovation. Over an impressive expanse of years, it has not merely held its ground but risen as a formidable citadel within the realm of financial services. Nestled within the vast expanse of the Central and...

Formation of trust-company in Jersey

The picturesque island of Jersey, nestled in the English Channel, is renowned for its natural beauty and as an economic hub. However, its allure isn’t limited to stunning landscapes and favorable tax regulations; Jersey has also established itself as a global leader in the realm of trusts. The formation of trust arrangements in Jersey has...

Company registration in UAE

Registration cost 2.900 Eur Company renewal cost 2.000 Eur Directors number 1 Corporate tax 00.00 % Registered share capital 10.000,00 AED Mandatory reporting requirements No General information as for company registration in the UAE – Ras al-Khaimah Company type: International Business Company (IBC) Company registration period: from 1 to 2 days The RAK Investment Authority...

Support in obtaining certifications and regulatory approvals for AI systems

Unexpectedly for all of us, technology has experienced a boom in development in a short period of time. Artificial intelligence has become our personal assistant in everyday life, at work, and during study. Now, it is no longer associated with futuristic projects from the far future – it works here and now. AI systems are...

SEMI license in Spain

Spain stands out as one of the most dynamic fintech ecosystems in Europe, with extensive experience in registering payment institutions and e-money institutions. The country provides tax breaks and other privileges, which makes it attractive to entrepreneurs compared to other jurisdictions. The Spanish market is developing rapidly in the payments sector, opening up significant opportunities....

El Salvador Authorised Crypto Companies

This jurisdiction has claimed itself as a global pioneer in virtual currencies regulation, making headlines with its bold implementation of Bitcoin as legalised currency in 2021. This thriving move has turned this region into a core for novelty in the virtual monetary segment, alluring financiers and venturers worldwide. With its forward-thinking legislative base, charge programs,...

Related posts

Ready-made company in Hong Kong

Shelf-firm is an organization that was registered for further sale. The procedure of purchasing a ready-made company is quite easy, usually you just need to do the ownership change and prepare relevant documents for this. Shelf-firms are registered already with a company name, but it can be changed after sale.Our company assists clients to change...

Company registration in Hong Kong

Having an impeccable rank of a financial backer’s heaven, Hong Kong offering unmatched oportunities for establishments, looking to prosper in Asia and then some. As a worldwide monetary center point represented by a supportive of business organization, it investigates every possibility in its obligation to cultivating achievement. Nowadays, Company registration in Hong Kong became crucial...

PSP license in Hong Kong

When looking for a place to register their company, founders most often pay attention to the major world`s financial center. Usually, there are a lot of large companies and, therefore, potential clients in such regions. Many of them are very competitive, but if you can get a foothold in such a region, you will make...

VASP license in Hong Kong

On June 24, 2022, jurisdiction governmental authorities released Anti-Money-Laundering and Terrorist-Financing (AML/FT) Order; it established licensing and regulatory norms demanding to possess VASP license in Hong Kong. Let us consider it in more detail and find out how it affects firms operating in this industry. The draft law amended the AML and CFT Order, main...

Money Service Operators License in Hong Kong

In accordance with the law regulating the money market, any person or legal entity operating money services is obliged to become approved by the HK Custοms and Εxcise Department. Such regulation is backed by the AML/CTF Ordinance. According to this law, mοney service also encompasses exchanging and remitting services. Running business operations without having an...

Corporate tax in Hong Kong

Jurisdiction of Hong Kong refers to corporate tax as income tax, labor tax and tax levied on real estate. In general, this region of China is attractive for foreign entrepreneurs for the reason that it has a transparent and simple system of doing business. However, even the most democratic jurisdiction nevertheless imposes an obligation on...
Fill the blank: