The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has issued restriction notices to Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited and Soochow Securities International Brokerage Limited, barring them from dealing with assets in accounts ultimately owned by a board member of a listed corporation suspected of misconduct and breach of duties. Without the SFC’s prior written consent, the two brokers are prohibited from disposing of or dealing with the relevant assets, or assisting, counselling or procuring others to do so, up to the amounts specified in the notices. They must also immediately notify the SFC if they receive any instructions relating to the prohibited dealings. The notices were issued under sections 204 and 205 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance and are intended to preserve assets to ensure funds would be available to meet any potential court order in legal proceedings that the SFC may bring.