The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued a restriction notice to GA (Int'l) Capital Management Limited (GCML) over concerns about its reliability, integrity and ability to conduct regulated activities competently, honestly and fairly, raising questions about its fitness and properness to remain licensed. The notice bars GCML, without the SFC’s prior written consent, from carrying on any business constituting the regulated activities for which it is licensed, and from disposing of or dealing with any relevant property or assisting others to do so, except for paying ordinary-course operational expenses subject to prior written notification and SFC consent. The SFC issued the notice under sections 204 and 205 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance and searched premises including those occupied by GCML’s responsible officer; GCML is licensed for Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities and is subject to licensing conditions. The investigation is ongoing and the SFC indicated it will make no further comment at this stage.