Circular to Licensed Corporations, SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers and Associated Entities
Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Financing of Terrorism
United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024
The United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (the Somalia Amendment Regulation), made under the United Nations Sanctions Ordinance (Cap. 537) (UNSO), was published in the Gazette (L.N. 97 of 2024) on 14 June 2024 with immediate effect.
The Somalia Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Cap.537CG) to give effect to certain decisions on sanctions in the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2713 and 2714 in respect of Somalia. The amendments mainly relate to prohibition against the supply, sale, transfer or carriage of weapons, ammunition or military equipment to Somalia or to certain persons; prohibition against the provision of technical assistance or training or financial or other assistance to certain persons; and certain exemption arrangements in respect of arms embargo, improvised explosive devices (IED) components ban and provision of IED technology.
The Somalia Amendment Regulation can be found on the Government’s website (https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/english/gazette/file.php?year=2024&vol=28&no=24&extra=0&type=2&number=97).
Licensed corporations, SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers and associated entities are reminded to refer to Chapter 6 of the Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (For Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers) (AML/CFT Guideline) which contains guidance on the appropriate measures that licensed corporations, SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers and associated entities should take to ensure compliance with the regulations made under the UNSO1.
Should you have any queries regarding the contents of this circular, please contact Ms Kiki Wong at 2231 1569 who will assist in referring your queries to the relevant officer.
Intermediaries Supervision DepartmentIntermediaries DivisionSecurities and Futures Commission
End
SFO/IS/020/2024
1 Under paragraph 6 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Guideline issued by the Securities and Futures Commission for Associated Entities of Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers, associated entities that are not authorized financial institutions are expected to have regard to the provisions of the AML/CFT Guideline as if they were themselves licensed corporations and/or SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers.
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