HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

641202Restricted licensed banks

有限制牌照銀行

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 activity covers banks that are licensed to operate under specific restrictions set by regulatory authorities in Hong Kong. Restricted licensed banks primarily engage in banking activities such as accepting deposits and providing loans, but their operations are limited compared to fully licensed banks.

This classification includes

  • restricted 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

Restricted licensed banks primarily operate within Hong Kong's regulatory framework. Their services are typically directed towards local customers and require HK licenses. As a result, profits are closely tied to the HK market and do not qualify for offshore treatment.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

RESTRICTED LICENSED BANKING SERVICES IN HONG KONG

49/60 characters

Chinese 中文

有限制牌照銀行服務

9/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

Companies

Licensed operators

Verified registry

10 on the HKMA Register of AIs.

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 is a restricted licensed bank?

A restricted licensed bank is a type of bank in Hong Kong that can only engage in specific banking activities and must comply with local regulations.

What are the licensing requirements?

To operate as a restricted licensed bank, you must apply for a banking license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and meet capital and operational standards.

How is tax treated for restricted licensed banks?

Restricted licensed banks are subject to Hong Kong's corporate tax regime, and profits are generally taxable unless specific offshore criteria are met.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a restricted 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