HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

661201Investment banking activities

投資銀行活動

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 services related to investment banking, including underwriting securities, facilitating share offerings and listings, and engaging in financial asset securitisation. It involves advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and providing strategic financial guidance.

This classification includes

  • financial asset securitisation activities
  • investment banking activities
  • securities underwriters
  • sponsors in share offering and listing

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 1 Regulated Activity (Dealing in Securities)

Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)

Required for corporations that trade, broker or distribute securities in Hong Kong, including stockbrokers, placing agents and securities dealers. Licensing is under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) and firms must meet the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules on an ongoing basis.

Capital requirement
HKD 5M paid-up share capital + HKD 3M liquid capital (standard); HKD 10M paid-up if providing securities margin financing or acting as custodian of a private OFC; no paid-up requirement and HKD 500K liquid capital for approved introducing agents or proprietary traders
Processing time
Approximately 15 weeks for a licensed corporation application (SFC published estimate)

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

SFC Licence for Type 6 Regulated Activity (Advising on Corporate Finance)

Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)

Required for corporations advising on corporate finance matters such as takeovers, mergers, listings and compliance with the Listing Rules, including IPO sponsors and corporate finance advisory firms. Sponsors of listing applications face higher capital requirements under the Financial Resources Rules.

Applies to corporate finance advisory and IPO sponsorship work

Capital requirement
Non-sponsor not holding client assets: no paid-up capital + HKD 100K liquid capital; non-sponsor holding client assets: HKD 5M paid-up + HKD 3M liquid capital; sponsor: HKD 10M paid-up + HKD 3M liquid capital (HKD 100K liquid if not holding client assets)
Processing time
Approximately 15 weeks for a licensed corporation application (SFC published estimate)

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Medium

Investment banking activities often involve negotiations and transactions that are conducted in Hong Kong. While some aspects can be performed offshore, the nature of the services typically requires a presence in Hong Kong to engage with local clients and regulatory bodies.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

INVESTMENT BANKING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING SECURITISATION

54/60 characters

Chinese 中文

投資銀行活動

6/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

Companies

Licensed operators

Verified registry

310 on the SFC Register; a sample below.

Search all 310

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

Do I need a license for investment banking?

Yes, investment banking activities in Hong Kong require a license from the Securities and Futures Commission.

What are the tax implications for my business?

Profits derived from investment banking activities are subject to Hong Kong profits tax unless qualifying for offshore treatment.

Can I operate this business remotely?

While some operations can be managed remotely, a physical presence in Hong Kong is often necessary for client engagement and compliance.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a investment banking activities 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