Hong Kong law firm
SFC License Application & SFC Investigation Lawyer, Hong Kong
We advise financial services businesses and individuals on SFC licensing, compliance, inspections, investigations and enforcement, together with related corporate matters and disputes.
Received an SFC notice or been asked to attend an interview?
We advise on the scope of SFC requests, response deadlines, document production and interview preparation.
Our services
Advice across the regulatory matter and the related legal issues.
SFC Investigations & Enforcement
Advice and representation on SFC investigations, information requests, interviews, disciplinary proceedings and related tribunal matters.
Explore service →SFC Inspections & Regulatory Enquiries
Advice on inspections, supervisory enquiries, document requests, responses to findings and remedial action.
Explore service →SFC Licensing & Business Changes
Advice on licence applications, responsible officer and substantial shareholder approvals, and changes to licensed businesses.
Explore service →Compliance & Governance
Advice on ongoing obligations, internal controls, management responsibilities, compliance reviews and regulatory reporting.
Explore service →Corporate & Fund Structuring
Advice on company and fund structures, transaction documents, acquisitions and reorganisations involving regulated businesses.
Explore service →Commercial Disputes & Court Proceedings
Advice and representation in contractual, shareholder and fund disputes, urgent applications and related court proceedings.
Explore service →Understand your next steps
Practical guides to common SFC notices and procedures.
Received a section 183 notice?
Securities and Futures Ordinance · section 183A written requirement from an SFC investigator to produce records, answer questions in writing, or attend an interview. It comes with a deadline, and non-compliance without reasonable excuse is an offence.
Read the guide →Facing a section 180 inspection?
Securities and Futures Ordinance · section 180SFC staff may enter a licensed corporation’s business premises to inspect and copy records and require explanations. Visits can be announced or unannounced.
Read the guide →Received an SFC restriction notice?
Securities and Futures Ordinance · sections 204–205A written notice under sections 204 and 205 that can restrict a licensed corporation’s business and freeze client assets in specified accounts. It takes effect on service.
Read the guide →Responding to an SFC section 181 notice
Securities and Futures Ordinance · section 181Respond to requests for information about specified transactions and the persons behind them.
Read the guide →Responding to proposed SFC disciplinary action
Securities and Futures Ordinance · proposed disciplinary actionUnderstand the proposed action, prepare representations and distinguish the later review deadline.
Read the guide →When the SFC attends with a search warrant
Securities and Futures Ordinance · section 191Understand what to do when officers attend with a search warrant and how to address seized records.
Read the guide →Legal advice, supported by regulatory experience
Liva Law leads the firm’s legal work. Where appropriate, senior regulatory advisers contribute practical experience in SFC licensing and supervision.
Liva Law
Solicitor · Sole Proprietor
Liva advises on SFC matters and related corporate and commercial issues. She leads the legal work and is responsible for the advice provided.
Anthony Sze
Senior Regulatory Adviser
Anthony advises on licensing, regulatory notifications and ongoing compliance. His background includes four years at the SFC and private practice since 2017.
Louisa Leung
Senior Regulatory Adviser
Louisa advises on licensing and virtual asset matters. Her background includes more than twelve years at the SFC through 2025, including over a decade in licensing.
Sector focus
Asset Management & Funds
Advice on licensing, fund and business structures, ongoing obligations and related disputes.
Virtual Assets
Advice on SFC licensing and regulatory matters involving virtual asset platforms, intermediaries and asset managers.
Regulatory insights
Focused articles on SFC requirements and practical compliance issues.
View all insights →Joint accounts & PI: HK$8m each; parent–child associate asymmetry
The individual threshold is a portfolio of at least HK$8 million (PI Rules s.5(1)). A joint pot of HK$8 million or more does not, by itself, make every…Read2026/09/15Margin & financingMargin loan above collateral MV: stop waivers and further buys
If the outstanding margin loan balance exceeds the market value of underlying collateral, you must stop waiving margin calls (SMFA Guidelines 6.5) and stop further advances and further…Read2026/09/15Conduct & systemsMarket soundings: Recipients not under Disclosing Person recording duties
No — authorised-channel requirements, telephone recording and ≥2-year record-keeping apply to Disclosing Persons (Guidelines §§3.2, 3.4). Recipient Persons follow §4: authorise a knowledgeable contact; inform opt-in/out preferences; verify…Read2026/09/15Discuss your matter
Contact us by telephone, email or WhatsApp. Please briefly describe the issue and tell us about any response deadline or scheduled interview.
Telephone
+852 3520 3333Please do not send confidential documents until we have confirmed whether we can act for you and advised how to provide them.