Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is my great privilege to address you at this inaugural Hong Kong Bar Association-World Justice Project Conference. Today, we are united by a solemn mission – to champion the rule of law and justice – pillars upon which the global reputation and vitality of Hong Kong’s capital markets rest. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) stands unwaveringly as a guardian of this mission, ensuring our markets function transparently, fairly, and with unassailable integrity.
As Chairman of the SFC, I speak not only as a financial regulator but also as a steadfast advocate for the rule of law, which is the indispensable foundation of market integrity and Hong Kong’s enduring global competitiveness. Effective financial regulation is more than oversight; it is an essential pillar of our rule of law ecosystem. The SFC embraces its weighty responsibility to uphold justice within our financial markets, to strengthen investor trust and market resilience.
Today, I will focus on three critical points: first, the paramount importance of the rule of law and market integrity to Hong Kong’s stature as a premier international financial centre (IFC); second, the robust enforcement strategies the SFC undertakes, particularly our cross-agency collaboration to uphold market integrity; and third, the vital necessity of misconduct prevention through superior governance and investor education.
Rule of Law: Bedrock of Hong Kong’s International Financial Centre Status
As we all know, the rule of law is not merely one factor among many – it is the nonnegotiable foundation enabling Hong Kong’s success as a global financial hub. Complemented by an open economy, a business-friendly environment, and globally aligned regulatory frameworks, Hong Kong’s rule of law remains its ace card.
The 2024 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index recognises Hong Kong’s excellence, especially in “Absence of Corruption”, where we rank in the world’s top 10 with continuous year-on-year improvement. This is a testament to Hong Kong’s steadfast commitment to anticorruption and to the integrity that underpins our vibrant economy.
Click here for full details.
