The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Recognition of Funds (MoU)[1], which will allow eligible Hong Kong public funds and United Kingdom retail funds to be distributed in each other’s market through a streamlined process.
The MoU also establishes a framework for exchange of information, regular dialogue as well as regulatory cooperation in relation to the cross-border offering of eligible Hong Kong public funds and United Kingdom retail funds.
Andrew Bailey, FCA Chief Executive said:
'We are very pleased to have agreed this framework, which paves the way to offering consumers greater choice and diversification in their investments. It reflects the UK’s commitment to open financial markets supported by effective regulation which delivers equivalent outcomes. We will continue to work closely with the SFC, both in connection with cross-border fund offerings and in wider areas of mutual benefit.'
Ashley Alder, SFC Chief Executive Officer said:
'This new cooperation framework with the FCA will not only bring benefit to the asset management industries in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, but also offer investors in both markets with more investment choices. Equally important, expanding the mutual recognition of funds framework is consistent with our strategic goal of positioning Hong Kong as an international asset management centre. We look forward to working closely with the FCA under these strengthened regulatory ties.'
Further details of the mutual recognition of funds scheme are set out in the 'SFC circular[2]' and the 'FCA circular[3]' issued today.
Notes to editors
- On 1 April 2013, the FCA became responsible for the conduct supervision of all regulated financial firms and the prudential supervision of those not supervised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
- The FCA has an overarching strategic objective of ensuring the relevant markets function well. To support this, it has three operational objectives: to secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers; to protect and enhance the integrity of the UK financial system; and to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers.
- Find out more information about the FCA[4].