The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved six companies as approved securities registrars (ASRs), effective November 16, 2026, when the uncertificated securities market (USM) regime takes effect. All six may continue their current registrar services, while Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited and Tricor Investor Services Limited form the first group authorized to provide USM related services, including systems for evidencing and transferring legal title without paper instruments. Under the regime, issuers of prescribed securities listed in Hong Kong must retain an ASR at all times. Applicants listing securities in uncertificated form after November 16 must appoint an ASR authorized for USM related services. Existing securities constituted under the laws of Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Chinese Mainland or Hong Kong must enter the regime within five years, and the SFC will review further registrar applications in due course.
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approves six securities registrars, two for uncertificated market services
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has approved six securities registrars from November 16, 2026, when the uncertificated securities market regime takes effect. Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services and Tricor Investor Services are the first two authorized to provide services for evidencing and transferring legal title without paper instruments. New uncertificated listings must use a registrar with this authorization, while specified existing securities must enter the regime within five years.