644000Trusts, funds and similar financial entities
信託、基金及相關金融工具
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 encompasses the management and operation of trusts, funds, and similar financial entities that pool resources from multiple investors to invest in various assets. It includes both open-end funds, which allow investors to buy and sell shares at any time, and closed-end funds, which have a fixed number of shares traded on the stock exchange, as well as unit investment trusts that offer a fixed portfolio of securities.
This classification includes
- open-end funds
- closed-end funds
- unit investment trust
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- activities of holding companies
- pension funding
- fund management
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.
SFC Licence for Type 9 Regulated Activity (Asset Management)
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
Required for corporations providing discretionary management of securities or futures portfolios or real estate investment schemes, including fund managers, hedge funds and private equity managers with discretionary mandates. Managers that do not hold client assets can operate under a licensing condition with reduced financial requirements.
Fund vehicles themselves are typically managed by a licensed Type 9 manager
- Capital requirement
- No paid-up capital requirement + HKD 100K liquid capital if subject to the licensing condition not to hold client assets; otherwise HKD 5M paid-up + HKD 3M liquid capital
- Processing time
- Approximately 15 weeks for a licensed corporation application (SFC published estimate)
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumProfits from trusts and funds can qualify for offshore treatment if the activities are managed and executed outside of Hong Kong. However, if the funds are marketed to local clients or require local licenses, the offshore status may be compromised.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
TRUSTS, FUNDS AND SIMILAR FINANCIAL ENTITIES
44/60 characters
Chinese 中文
信託基金及相關金融工具
11/30 characters
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
Do I need a license to operate a fund?
Yes, operating a fund in Hong Kong typically requires a license from the Securities and Futures Commission.
What are the tax implications for funds?
Funds may be subject to profits tax in Hong Kong unless they qualify for offshore treatment based on their operational structure.
Can I manage a fund entirely offshore?
Yes, if all management and operations occur outside Hong Kong, it may qualify for offshore tax treatment.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a trusts, funds and similar financial entities 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