The Government published in the Gazette today (October 30) the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the Bill).
The Bill seeks to amend the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO) and its subsidiary legislation, in order to enhance the real estate investment trust (REIT) regime by introducing a statutory mechanism similar to that under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) for companies to undertake restructuring or compulsory acquisition. The Bill will also enhance the market misconduct and disclosure regimes for collective investment schemes that are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (Listed CISs), by expressly providing that the provisions in the SFO relating to relevant regulatory regimes also cover Listed CISs, in addition to listed companies.
"The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in continuing to strengthen its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre. The Government has long been committed to reinforcing our leading position in this area. The relevant amendments under the Bill on enhancements to the REIT regime will enhance the competitiveness and liquidity of the Hong Kong REIT market, thereby supporting industry development. On the other hand, clear and holistic market misconduct and disclosure regimes can help strengthen investor protection and confidence, enhance market integrity and robustness, and support the long-term development of the fund industry," a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on November 11.
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