The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), alongside the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at bolstering the region’s defenses against financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering. This initiative comes in response to a notable rise in deception cases and the evolving complexity of financial crimes, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Growing Threat of Financial Crime

In 2024, Hong Kong recorded 44,480 deception cases, an increase of 11.7% from the previous year. The number of arrests related to deception and money laundering offenses also saw a rise, with approximately 10,496 individuals detained, including 7,700 for money laundering activities. This reflects a 13.6% increase compared to 2023.

New Measures to Tackle Crime

To address these challenges, the HKMA, HKPF, and HKAB have outlined several strategic actions:

• Expanded Use of Scameter Data: Banks are encouraged to utilize Scameter data alongside network analytics to better identify suspicious accounts and alert vulnerable customers.
• Enhanced Bank-to-Bank Information Sharing: Legislative changes will facilitate greater information exchange between banks to detect and prevent prohibited activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. An upgraded platform for information sharing is expected by year-end.
• Promotion of Anti-Fraud Practices: The HKMA will disseminate effective anti-fraud and anti-money laundering practices among banks to improve their defenses.
• Thematic Reviews and Communication: Regular reviews and a communication platform will be established to support banks in implementing robust anti-fraud measures.
• Public Education Initiatives: Efforts to educate the public on the risks of lending or selling bank accounts will be intensified, including targeted outreach and the formation of an Anti-fraud Education Taskforce.

Legal and Sentencing Developments

The HKPF has noted a significant increase in prosecutions related to money laundering, with a 2.3-fold rise in cases from 2023 to 2024. Courts have responded by imposing harsher sentences on mule account holders, with some sentences increasing by 13% to 33%, ranging from 21 to 75 months.

The HKMA and HKPF remain committed to collaborating with banks and other stakeholders to enhance the detection and prevention of financial crime, ensuring that Hong Kong’s financial system remains secure and resilient.

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