Nov/Dec 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX review: corporate governance disclosure HKEX published a report on its analysis of issuers’ corporate governance practice disclosure for 2022 year-end (“HKEX CG review”) , and “A Snapshot of INEDs Roles and Responsibilities” (“HKEX INED Guide”). (Press release)   (A) HKEX CG Review It focuses on new requirements under the updated […]

Read More

Sept/Oct 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX Guidance   (A) HKEX published Guidance Letter (GL 116- 23) on Disclosure of the basis of consideration and business valuations in notifiable transactions. Valuation in transactions and directors’ duties is a recurring theme of regulators. It was addressed in HKEX’s recent Enforcement Bulletin. (See our May/June 23 update) (Background:  in […]

Read More

July/Aug 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories Privacy Commission’s new Guidance on handling data breach   The Privacy Commissioner on Personal Data published an article promoting the Commission’s new “Guidance on Data Breach Handling and Data Breach Notifications”.  (Article, Press Release, Guidance Note) In light of the increase (by 20%) in data breach reported to it during 1H, […]

Read More

May/June 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX Listed Issuer Newsletter; new global ISSB sustainability standards   (i) HKEX published its latest Listed Issuer Newsletter, with useful observations on disclosure of business valuations in transactions, and compliance with new Listing Rules on share schemes. It also addresses issues relating to change in auditors. Firstly, as regards disclosure of […]

Read More

Apr 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX consultation on climate-related disclosures      HKEX published a consultation paper on proposals to enhance climate-related disclosures under the ESG framework (Appendix 27). It proposes to (i) make such disclosures in ESG reports mandatory, and (ii) introduce new disclosures aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (“ISSB”) Climate Standard (ISSB standard expected to […]

Read More

Mar 23 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX Enforcement Bulletin:  disclosure of information  HKEX published its latest Enforcement Bulletin, focusing on “disclosure of information”.  A key theme is “partial truth” disclosures.  HKEX noted instances where an announcement refers only to positive (or bland and neutral) matters, but does not mention other potentially sensitive but material issues. Such omission […]

Read More

Board Briefings

The board’s roles amidst the fast-changing ESG and macro scene!
“Annual regulatory update” remains our most popular briefing!
Keep your board updated on latest regulatory developments!

Wendy Yung, our founder, will personally deliver these briefings, and work with you to focus on aspects that meet your company’s needs. Other topics are also available on request. We can also advise you on developing a structured annual directors’ training programme.

  • Board-focused — no legal technicalities! Actionable follow-up steps!
  • Board/management alignment — establish common expectations and actions
  • Tailor-made
  • Option: partner with investors/technical subject experts

 

“The regulatory presentation to our board was of a high professional standard, yet without excessive legal technicalities. We find this approach useful.”

John Yip, Executive Director, Henderson Land Development Group

 

“Our board found the regulatory update briefing helpful. It was practical and interactive.”

Hamilton Cheng, Executive Director, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group

 

I. [UPDATED] Essential ANNUAL regulatory update for directors

  • (Code:20DT1) Directors’ duties: HKEX/SFC/AFRC enforcement priorities and cases 
  • (Code:20DT2) Disclosure of inside information — update and lessons from common pitfalls
  • (Code:20DT3) Practical HKEX/SFC annual regulatory update for directors (Optional special focus: directors’ duties; ESG; enforcement trends; “new” regulator AFRC on financial reporting/board and audit committeeinternal controls etc.)

 

II. [UPDATED] Strategic roles of the board

HOT ISSUES

  • (Code:20DT4) ESG and the board’s roles (Options: practical overview of HKEX/ISSB requirements; special focus and questions directors should ask: practical experience sharing (implementing ISSB, data collection/controls), investor perspectives)
  • (Code DT2013) One-on-one induction for new INEDs  (E.g.s: directors’ duties; annual review of internal controls effectiveness, annual review of continuing connected transactions; ESG oversight; board dynamics/interaction with management)

CORE TOPICS

  • (Code:20DT5) Getting ready for Annual General Meeting re-election of long-serving independent directors, other trends and your actions
  • (Code:20DT6) Shareholder activism and short-seller attacks in HK — lessons and how to get ready
  • (Code:20DT7) Board evaluation: the best way for you (Various approaches; pros and cons; handling potentially sensitive areas like “peer review”)
  • (Code: 20DT 8) The board’s roles in corporate culture
  • (Code: 20DT9) Latest trends in shareholder engagement/Investor relations — and the board’s roles
  • (Code: 20DT10) The board’s roles in internal controls and risk management

 

III. Corporate governance (“CG”): new requirements, trends, best practices

HOT ISSUES

  • (Code: DT2011) Updated CG Code, best practices, way forward (Possible focus areas: long-serving independent director re-election, setting board diversity target, linking corporate culture/values/strategy; examples; selected global trends)
  • (Code: DT2012) Global CG trends and what investors want  (E.g. New CG Code, UK- internal controls and risk management; IT governance; option to combine with face-to-face meeting with a leading institutional investor)

CORE TOPICS

  • (Code: 20DT13) Corporate governance awards in HK (possible focus: entering the right award; OR lessons from best practices)

 

Briefings can be delivered in English, Cantonese, Putonghua. Prices typically around $15k for a one hour briefing, depending on the level of customization and extended duration as requested.

Enquiries and further discussion:
Wendy Yung (wendy.yung@practisingov.com) /
Events Team (Eva Ng) (events@practisingov.com)
T: 25093928

Our programme in PDF

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

Mar 2023

Mini-survey on AGMs 2023:
Over 100 listed companies including 70% of HK- based Hang Seng Index cos joined our survey – which aims to foster exchange of practices in our (listed company) subscriber “community”.

Survey findings:
– Majority planning “physical” AGMs
– Hang Seng Index cos and “E- facilities”
(via “hybrid AGMs”, webcast)
– Majority NOT planning directors’ fee rise

Practising Governance AGMs 2023 Survey Findings Mar 23

Read More

Sept/Oct 22 Legal Update

Share This: Top stories HKEX: (NEW) Guide on Cooperation and updated Sanctions Statement HKEX published (1) new Guidance Note on Cooperation (“Cooperation Guide”), (2) revised Enforcement Sanctions Statement (“Updated Sanctions Statement”). Its Enforcement Policy Statement has also been updated to include links to these documents. (Press release) The Cooperation Guide clarifies HKEX’s expectations on co-operation. It […]

Read More