The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has reprimanded and fined Roofer Securities Limited (Roofer) HKD 2.1 million for breaches relating to mishandling client money, including failures to maintain sufficient funds in its segregated client account. An SFC investigation, following a referral by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, found 12 incidents between 8 February 2021 and 7 July 2022 where Roofer’s segregated client account had insufficient funds, including one shortfall of HKD 15.5 million. The under-segregation arose from Roofer using client money to meet margin calls made or anticipated to be made by HKEX, inadequate management of its daily online bank transfer limit, and staff human error. In determining sanctions for breaches of the Client Money Rules and the Code of Conduct, the SFC took into account that no client suffered loss, Roofer rectified the shortfalls shortly after each incident and enhanced controls, it cooperated with the SFC, and it had no previous disciplinary record.
Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission 2025-09-29
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission reprimands and fines Roofer Securities HKD 2.1 million for mishandling client money
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission reprimanded and fined Roofer Securities Limited HKD 2.1 million for mishandling client money, including insufficient funds in its segregated client account. An investigation revealed 12 incidents of under-segregation due to using client money for margin calls, inadequate bank transfer management, and human error. The SFC considered Roofer's prompt rectification, enhanced controls, and cooperation in determining the sanctions.