In December 2024, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Exchange") released two consultation conclusions (the "Consultation Conclusions") following two consultation papers (the "Consultation Papers") on the (i) Proposed Reduction of Minimum Spreads in the Hong Kong Securities Market; and (ii) the Review of the Corporate Governance Code and related Main Board and GEM Listing Rules aiming to (a) enhance market microstructure with a goal to improve market liquidity and global competitiveness of the Hong Kong market by facilitating bid-ask spread reduction and transaction costs savings; and (b) strike an appropriate balance between advancing good corporate governance practices in Hong Kong as an international financial centre and addressing the practical concerns of listed issuers.
Recent Updates on BVI, Cayman and Bermuda laws
Entities incorporated or registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands and Bermuda are frequently utilised in Asia. There have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes coming into force in these jurisdictions at the start of 2025, of which many clients and legal practitioners should be aware and reflect in their strategic, compliance, and financial considerations going forward. This article highlights some of those updates which are of most interest and relevance to Asian clients.
Fostering Respect: the Importance of Bullying and Sexual Harassment Policies in Bermuda (Part 2)
Under the Employment Act 2000 (EA), it is a requirement for an employer to not only have a compliant policy statement against bullying and sexual harassment (the Bullying and Sexual Harassment Policy), but to bring it to the attention of its employees.
Recent developments in the attitude of the Jersey courts to onshore tax
Our experts throw the spotlight on the attitude of the Jersey courts to onshore taxes in the context of private wealth at a time of ever-increasing transparency and international cooperation.
Cayman’s Compliance Crackdown - Cayman Adopts UK-Style SAR Timelines under the Proceeds of Crime Act
Key Changes to Suspicious Activity Reporting in the Cayman Islands.
Fund Finance Laws and Regulations 2026 – Cayman Islands
Appleby Cayman Islands' partner Simon Raftopoulos and consultant Georgina Pullinger provide comprehensive insight into legal trends and developments in the fund finance market.
Fund Finance Laws and Regulations 2026 – BVI
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) fund finance market has seen continued growth during 2025, with increasing numbers of fund formations and general transactional activity. With a sophisticated commercial court for fast-track dispute resolution, international recognition as a well-regulated jurisdiction, a tax-neutral environment and competitive fees for incorporating, launching and maintaining investment funds, the BVI is one of the most popular offshore jurisdictions for fund formation.
Fund Finance Laws and Regulations – Jersey
The Appleby Jersey team provides comprehensive insight into legal trends and developments in the fund finance market.
Capital Markets in Jersey: Regulatory Overview
Our Appleby Jersey use this Q&A to give an overviewof the main equity and debt market/exchanges and the main regulators and legislation that govern them
Bermuda Monetary Authority’s 2025 Tech Commitment
A focus on the crucial and enabling role that technology plays across all financial service sectors is among the most notable objectives discussed in the business plan for 2025 published by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
Fund Finance Laws and Regulations 2025 – Bermuda
The Bermuda fund industry sees investment predominantly from North America and Europe, and therefore trends in the Bermuda fund finance market track the major onshore markets. Although there is no overall data reporting service for the local fund finance market, anecdotal reports from many of the major facility lenders, as well as Appleby practitioners, anticipate that there will continue to be a high demand for capital call or subscription line facilities. That is not to say, of course, that other structures such as NAV facilities will not be utilised.
Case Commentary: Mulliez H.S.B v Telecel Group SA & Anor 2025 SCJ 31
On 22 January 2025, the full bench of the Court of Civil Appeal in the matter of Mulliez H.S.B v Telecel Group SA & Anor 2025 SCJ 31 decided on the scope of Section 6 of the Court of Civil Appeal Act 1963, also common referred as the “similar purpose application” section. Unsurprisingly, the Court has pathed the way for judicial activism holding that the: “Court would therefore readily intervene, in the absence of any appropriate or adequate legal remedy, where the immediate and urgent intervention of the Court is warranted for the due administration of justice through the exercise of its equitable jurisdiction.”
