Hong Kong issued 53% more IPO-related banker licenses in March, signaling a tentative recovery while maintaining strict entry standards. The Securities and Futures Commission granted 43 corporate finance licenses, up from February but still below the pre-scrutiny average of over 100 per month. Clara Chiu of QReg said the regulator appears to be accelerating approvals while preserving high quality thresholds. The increase suggests improving capital markets activity, though the industry continues

Hong Kong issued 53% more IPO-related banker licenses in March, signaling a tentative recovery while maintaining strict entry standards. The Securities and Futures Commission granted 43 corporate finance licenses, up from February but still below the pre-scrutiny average of over 100 per month. Clara Chiu of QReg said the regulator appears to be accelerating approvals while preserving high quality thresholds. The increase suggests improving capital markets activity, though the industry continues to adjust after a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny.