Hong Kong to renew SFC CEO contract for another 2 years: SCMP

Hong Kong to renew SFC CEO contract for another 2 years: SCMP

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has announced plans to extend the tenure of its Chief Executive Officer, Julia Leung, for another two years. The extension, which will keep Leung in the role until the end of 2027, reflects the government's confidence in her leadership during a period of significant regulatory transformation in financial services .

Leung's current term is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. She has overseen substantial developments in Hong Kong's digital asset regulation since becoming the SFC's first female CEO in January 2023. Under her leadership, the SFC has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets, including a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers and trading platforms .

The regulatory approach aims to balance innovation with safeguards, facilitating the development of the stablecoin market while addressing potential risks to monetary and financial stability. The SFC's initiatives have attracted domestic and international virtual asset service providers, positioning Hong Kong as a pioneer in comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange regulation .

The extension of Leung's tenure coincides with Hong Kong's efforts to establish itself as an international financial hub. The city's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle have drawn top-tier companies from various regions, including India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Hong Kong's deep fundraising pool and high degree of capital freedom have facilitated the city's role as a connector between mainland China and the world, as well as between the Asia-Pacific region and global markets .

The SFC's regulatory initiatives under Leung's leadership have focused on supporting market development while maintaining oversight standards consistent with Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub. The extension of her tenure underscores the government's commitment to fostering a robust and regulated environment for digital assets and traditional financial services.