HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

641201Licensed banks

持牌銀行

Why 6 digits?

HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.

This subclass includes institutions that are licensed to operate as banks in Hong Kong. Licensed banks engage in accepting deposits, providing loans, and offering various financial services to individuals and businesses, adhering to regulatory requirements set by the monetary authorities.

This classification includes

  • licensed banks

Licences and approvals

What this activity needs to operate

Activities under this code trigger the following licensing regimes. Emerhub prepares and files each application on your behalf.

Banking Licence (Licensed Bank)

Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Required for institutions carrying on banking business in Hong Kong, meaning taking deposits of any size and maturity from the public and operating current and savings accounts. Licensed banks form the top tier of the three-tier banking system under the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).

Capital requirement
Minimum capital of HKD 300M

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Deposit-taking Company Authorization

Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Authorization for companies engaged in specialised activities such as consumer finance, trade finance or securities business that take deposits from the public. Deposit-taking companies may only take deposits of HKD 100,000 or above with an original term to maturity of at least three months, forming the third tier of the banking system under the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).

Third-tier authorization for deposit-taking finance companies

Capital requirement
Minimum capital of HKD 25M

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Restricted Licence Bank Authorization

Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Authorization for institutions engaging mainly in merchant banking and capital market activities that take deposits from the public. Restricted licence banks may take deposits of any maturity of HKD 500,000 or above and form the second tier of the three-tier banking system under the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).

Second-tier authorization for merchant banking and capital market business

Capital requirement
Minimum capital of HKD 100M

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Low

Licensed banks operate primarily within Hong Kong, serving local customers and adhering to local regulations. Contracts are typically negotiated and executed in Hong Kong, making it difficult for profits to qualify for offshore treatment.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

LICENSED BANKS PROVIDING BANKING SERVICES

41/60 characters

Chinese 中文

持牌銀行提供銀行服務

10/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

Companies

Licensed operators

Verified registry

50 on the HKMA Register of AIs; a sample below.

Search all 50

Standard compliance

Compliance every Hong Kong company shares

Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.

See the full Hong Kong compliance calendar

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to become a licensed bank?

To become a licensed bank, you must meet capital requirements, submit a detailed business plan, and comply with regulatory standards set by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

How is a licensed bank classified in Hong Kong?

A licensed bank is classified under the Banking Ordinance and must obtain a banking license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to operate legally.

What are the tax implications for licensed banks?

Licensed banks are subject to Hong Kong's profits tax on income derived from their banking activities, with specific exemptions available for certain offshore transactions.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a licensed banks business in Hong Kong?

Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.

Start incorporation with Emerhub