Money Services Business Licence in Hong Kong
Money Service Operator licence. CCE regulated. Capital from HKD 25M. Typical timeline 3 to 6 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
Your enquiry
Why Hong Kong for Your Money Services Business Licence?
Hong Kong is a major remittance hub serving mainland China and South-East Asia.
Hong Kong's Commissioner of Customs and Excise (CCE) regulates money service operators through the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
Minimum capital HKD 25 million for remittance agents. Comprehensive AML/CFT compliance required.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
3 to 6 months.
Hong Kong vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Hong Kong | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | HKD 25M | No requirement |
| Timeline | 3 to 6 months | 1 to 3 months |
| Regulator | CCE | HMRC |
| Key Feature | Money Service Operator licence | Straightforward registration, AML focus |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a money services business licence in Hong Kong is HKD 25M. Minimum capital HKD 25 million for remittance agents. Comprehensive AML/CFT compliance required.
The typical timeline for a money services business licence in Hong Kong is 3 to 6 months. 3 to 6 months.
Hong Kong is a major remittance hub serving mainland China and South-East Asia.
After receiving your money services business licence in Hong Kong, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a money services business licence. In Hong Kong, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A money services business licence in Hong Kong provides access to the domestic market. Money Service Operator licence. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.