Hong Kong finance regulators tighten disclosure rules to police transition plans

The roadmap targets assurance and transition plan quality plus expanded tech use.

Hong Kong’s Green and Sustainable Finance Cross Agency Steering Group has set out its strategic priorities for 2026 to 2028, focusing on two main areas: consolidating Hong Kong’s existing strengths in sustainable finance and developing capabilities in emerging areas such as transition and adaptation finance.

Over the next three years, the group will focus on improving sustainability disclosures, including assurance and the quality of transition plan disclosures, and promoting the use of technology. 

The Steering Group is co-chaired by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission. Members include the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited.

It also plans to expand sustainable finance markets by facilitating capital flows through Hong Kong and strengthening cross-border carbon market collaboration. External engagement through global events and dialogues, as well as talent development and capacity building, will also be stepped up.

In emerging areas, the group aims to scale transition finance by issuing practical guidance, tools and case studies to encourage wider industry adoption of transition planning.

It will also support the development of adaptation finance by improving market readiness, identifying capability gaps, supporting product innovation, and strengthening physical risk assessment.

Julia Leung, co-chair of the Steering Group and chief executive of the Securities and Futures Commission, said the updated priorities reflect Hong Kong’s focus on staying aligned with global standards and market needs. 

She said improving disclosures and scaling transition finance are key to supporting transparent and credible outcomes across the financial system.

Eddie Yue, co-chair and chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said Hong Kong’s sustainable finance market has made strong progress in recent years. 

He said the new priorities will build a more robust ecosystem and help the city capture opportunities linked to Asia’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.