The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cross-border regulatory cooperation on matters related to digital assets.

On January 27, the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Capital Market Authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance cross-border regulatory cooperation on digital assets. This landmark MOU is the first agreement signed between the SFC and an overseas regulatory agency on regulating entities handling digital assets. The MOU establishes a framework for enhanced regulatory cooperation, including mutual consultation and information exchange on the regulation of cross-border entities handling digital assets, reflecting the SFC's commitment to promoting international cooperation according to its ASPIRe roadmap. The MOU was signed by Mr. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the Capital Market Authority, and Ms. Ashley Alder, CEO of the SFC, witnessed by Dr. Carlson Tong, Chairman of the SFC. Prior to the signing ceremony, a roundtable conference on digital asset innovation was held, with senior industry representatives invited to discuss the development of the digital asset ecosystem. Mr. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi stated, "This MOU further enhances regulatory cooperation between the Capital Market Authority and the SFC in regulating activities involving digital assets. It establishes clear channels for consultation and information exchange, which will help both parties implement more effective regulation in cross-border markets. Our common goal is to promote responsible innovation while upholding market integrity and enhancing investor protection." Ms. Alder said, "We welcome the bilateral regulatory cooperation between the SFC and the Capital Market Authority, expanding from mutual recognition of funds to the regulation of entities handling digital assets. The latest MOU will support responsible financial innovation in Hong Kong and the UAE, promoting the sustainable development of a dynamic and secure digital asset ecosystem." Dr. Kelvin Yeung, Executive Director of Intermediaries of the SFC, added, "Cross-border regulatory cooperation is an important component of our ASPIRe roadmap. We look forward to closer cooperation between the SFC and the Capital Market Authority, allowing both jurisdictions to address emerging risks together and promote the sustainable development of the digital asset ecosystem." During the roundtable conference, both regulatory agencies reaffirmed their shared vision to promote the sustainable development of the digital asset market through balanced and prudent regulation, and to drive both jurisdictions to become forward-looking digital asset hubs. Several industry leaders shared valuable market insights and operational experiences at the conference. Additionally, the SFC and the Capital Market Authority jointly organized a senior roundtable conference, inviting senior executives from leading asset management companies in Hong Kong to further strengthen connections in asset management between Hong Kong and the UAE, following the deepening cooperation after signing the MOU on mutual recognition of funds in September 2025 to open the door for cross-border sales of public funds between the two jurisdictions. The conference was co-chaired by Ms. Alder and Mr. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, with participants discussing diverse business opportunities in expanding operations in the UAE. The SFC and the Capital Market Authority also jointly hosted an industry seminar earlier today to help Hong Kong asset management companies better understand regulatory requirements for distributing funds in the UAE.