What Changed
- Introduced a statutory mechanism under Cap. 571 for REITs to conduct restructuring or compulsory acquisition similar to Cap. 622 rules.
- Explicitly extended SFO market misconduct and disclosure regimes to cover Listed CISs alongside listed companies.
- Scheduled the first reading of the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Legislative Council for November 11, 2026.
On October 30, 2026, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region published the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Gazette. The legislative initiative affects asset managers, corporate trustees, listed issuers, and institutional investors active in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and collective investment schemes listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (Listed CISs).
The Bill proposes key amendments to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO) and its subsidiary legislation. First, it introduces a statutory mechanism for REITs to perform restructuring or compulsory acquisition, drawing on the framework currently available to companies under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). This statutory addition aims to enhance the overall competitiveness, operational flexibility, and liquidity of Hong Kong's REIT market.
Second, the Bill expands regulatory oversight by explicitly providing that the SFO provisions governing market misconduct and disclosure regimes apply to Listed CISs, placing them on equal regulatory footing with listed companies. A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau highlighted that clear and holistic misconduct and disclosure frameworks bolster investor confidence, safeguard market integrity, and support the sustainable expansion of the fund industry.
According to the Government, these amendments align with strategic objectives under the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which explicitly supports Hong Kong in reinforcing its function as an international asset and wealth management hub.
Key Information and Dates:
- Legal Status: Draft legislation (Bill gazetted).
- Publication Date: October 30, 2026.
- First Reading in Legislative Council: November 11, 2026.
- Entry-into-Force / Application Dates: Not provided in the source content.
Legal and compliance practitioners should monitor the progress of the Bill as it is formally introduced into the Legislative Council.
Who May Be Affected
Managers, trustees, market participants, and investors involved in Hong Kong REITs and Listed CISs.
Cross-Border Context
Supports the National 15th Five-Year Plan's strategic direction to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international asset and wealth management center.
What to check next
- Legislative Council proceedings and debates following the first reading on November 11, 2026.
- Full Gazette text of the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.