SFC issues restriction notices to Interactive Brokers, Futu Securities regarding certain client accounts

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued restriction notices to Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited and Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited, prohibiting them from dealing with or processing assets held in their client accounts which are owned by a former member of the board of directors of a corporation listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited at the material time.

The former member of the board of directors is suspected of committing misconduct and breaching his duty towards the corporation.

The SFC is not investigating Futu or Interactive, both of which have cooperated with the SFC’s investigation. The restriction notices do not affect them or their other clients.

The restriction notices prohibit the two brokers, without the SFC’s prior written consent, from disposing of, dealing with, or assisting, counselling or procuring another person to dispose of or deal with any assets in those accounts up to the amount stated in the notices. They are also required to notify the SFC if they receive any instructions regarding the prohibitions specified above.

The SFC considers that the issue of the restriction notices, which preserves the assets in those accounts, is necessary to ensure that there will be funds available to meet any potential order by the Court in legal proceedings that may be brought by the SFC, and is desirable in the interest of the investing public and in the public interest.