641300Local representative offices of foreign banks
海外銀行本地代表辦事處
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 the operations of local representative offices established by foreign banks in Hong Kong. These offices primarily serve to promote the bank's services, facilitate communication with clients, and provide market information, but do not engage in banking transactions or accept deposits.
This classification includes
- representative offices of foreign banks
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowThis activity is inherently tied to Hong Kong as representative offices must engage with local clients and regulatory bodies. Contracts are typically negotiated and concluded within Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore tax treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS
39/60 characters
Chinese 中文
海外銀行本地代表辦事處
11/30 characters
Companies
Licensed operators
Verified registry27 on the HKMA Register of AIs; a sample below.
- ABC BANKING CORPORATION LTDHKMA Register of AIs
- ASHIKAGA BANK, LTD. (THE)HKMA Register of AIs
- BANCO BPM SOCIETA' PER AZIONIHKMA Register of AIs
- BANCO BRADESCO S.A.HKMA Register of AIs
- BANK OF BEIJING CO., LTD.HKMA Register of AIs
- BANK OF FUKUOKA, LTD. (THE)HKMA Register of AIs
- BANK OF YOKOHAMA, LTD. (THE)HKMA Register of AIs
- BANQUE CANTONALE DE GENEVEHKMA Register of AIs
- BANQUE TRANSATLANTIQUE S.A.HKMA Register of AIs
- BENDURA BANK AGHKMA Register of AIs
- CAIXABANK S.A.HKMA Register of AIs
- CANADIA BANK PLC.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 calendarFrequently asked questions
What licenses are required for a local representative office?
A local representative office of a foreign bank requires a banking license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Can a representative office engage in banking activities?
No, a representative office cannot conduct banking activities or accept deposits. It can only promote the bank's services.
What are the operational requirements for a representative office?
The office must have a physical presence in Hong Kong and comply with local regulations, including staffing and reporting obligations.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a local representative offices of foreign 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