ChainCatcher reported that the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission published its 2023-24 Annual Report today, which mentioned that it had added a new chapter to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance. This chapter aims to assist the industry in dealing with money laundering and terrorist financing risks caused by the unique characteristics of virtual assets when engaging in virtual asset-related businesses, and ensure compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

In addition, in November 2023, the SFC held two AML/CTF webinars to provide updates on key regulatory developments and recent regulatory observations to nearly 1,800 management and compliance staff from licensed institutions. External speakers shared the latest fraud trends, provided advice on suspicious transaction reporting and outlined the risk of proliferation financing in Hong Kong.