Hong Kong gazettes bill to reform REIT regime and market misconduct rules
Hong Kong's government published the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 on October 30, aiming to enhance the real estate investment trust (REIT) regime and clarify market misconduct rules for listed collective investment schemes. The bill will be introduced in the Legislative Council on No
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government gazetted the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 on 30 October, introducing amendments to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571) and its subsidiary legislation. The bill aims to optimise the real estate investment trust (REIT) regime by adopting a statutory mechanism similar to that under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622) for corporate reorganisations and compulsory acquisitions.
The bill will also improve the market misconduct and disclosure regime applicable to collective investment schemes listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. It clarifies that provisions under the Securities and Futures Ordinance governing market misconduct and disclosure will apply to listed collective investment schemes in addition to listed companies.
A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said the national 15th Five-Year Plan outlines clear support for Hong Kong to strengthen its role as an international asset and wealth management centre. The government has been working to consolidate Hong Kong's leading position in this area.
The spokesperson added that amendments to optimise the REIT regime are expected to enhance the competitiveness and liquidity of Hong Kong's REIT market, supporting industry development. Establishing a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for market misconduct and disclosure will help strengthen investor protection and confidence, making the market cleaner and more robust while supporting the long-term development of the fund industry.
The bill is scheduled to be introduced for its first reading in the Legislative Council on 11 November.