COMPARE BEFORE YOU DECIDE
One comparison table to see the differences between the regimes.
Start with the business scope, competent authority and capital baseline. Specific requirements must still be checked item by item in the relevant guide against the business model and licence conditions.
LICENSING COMPARISON
Core comparison of Hong Kong financial qualifications
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| Licences / Qualifications | Regulatory authorities | Business and Applicable Scenarios | Capital and Financial Resources | Entry pathways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLO Money Lender Licence | Licensing Tribunal / Companies Registry / Police | New applications, acquisitions and renewals for money lending businesses; clarify funding, premises and loan documents. | The current official application and fit-and-proper guidelines do not prescribe a uniform minimum paid-up capital or fixed security deposit amount. However, you must demonstrate that your financial position is suitable for conducting the business, that the source of funds for lending is lawful, and that working capital is sufficient. The business plan must explain the capital required for day-to-day operations and provide financial projections for the next two years. A budget recommended by a consultant must not be presented as a statutory threshold. | New application / acquisition / renewal |
Capital is a regulatory resource threshold, not a service quotation. The absence of a stated uniform minimum capital requirement does not mean that sufficient operating funds are unnecessary. An acquisition does not remove regulatory review, and registration or membership does not amount to a general financial licence.
Get Advice on Business SuitabilityYOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
First, tell us about your business,
Then select a suitable licensing path.
Discuss your business model, capital budget and schedule with Tang Shangyong (Drew) to prepare a checklist of next steps.