The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (Hong Kong) reported that Financial Secretary Paul Chan convened a coordination meeting with financial regulators to strengthen financial-sector support for residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, directing regulators to step up coordination and mobilise banks, insurers, Mandatory Provident Fund trustees and other financial institutions to provide timely assistance. The requested support includes proactively contacting affected residents, streamlining procedures and expediting service and claims processing where possible, taking a lenient approach to delayed payments of loans, contributions and insurance premiums, and prioritising and simplifying account procedures related to deceased individuals. The authorities also called for a cross-sector coordination mechanism among financial institutions to improve information flow and response speed, and for extending weekend service hours at bank branches in the district. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Association of Banks are expected to announce additional measures separately. The Insurance Authority has set up a dedicated task force to coordinate insurance-sector responses, including handling public enquiries and claims, while insurers have offered measures such as prioritised claims processing, expedited payouts including waiving death certificates for death benefit claims, premium holidays or extended payment deadlines, interest relief on policy loans, and in some cases emergency cash assistance or advance payments for temporary accommodation.
Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (Hong Kong) 2025-11-28
Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (Hong Kong) convenes regulators to coordinate bank and insurance support for residents affected by the Tai Po fire
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (Hong Kong) reported that Financial Secretary Paul Chan met with financial regulators to support residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire. Measures include streamlined procedures, leniency on delayed payments, and extended bank service hours. The Insurance Authority has established a task force to coordinate responses, with insurers offering expedited claims processing and emergency assistance.