Hong Kong SFC: E-Signature Verification Proposal to Boost Online Investing
By Jim Bulling and Edwin Tan
On 12 July 2018, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) distributed a circular providing guidance to Hong Kong intermediaries which intend to onboard and verify individual clients digitally. This guidance was drafted in response to the increasingly common occurrence of electronic transactions where a more efficient onboarding process is necessary.
Intermediaries are required to take all reasonable steps to establish the identity of their clients, including adopting a satisfactory account opening approach for their clients. If clients are not physically present for identification purposes, there will be a higher chance of risks eventuating including impersonation.