Application for Money Lenders Licence (Hong Kong)
Any person carrying on a money-lending business in Hong Kong must hold a Money Lender’s Licence under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163). Applications are administered by the Companies Registry (Money Lenders Section), and licences are granted by the Money Lenders Licensing Court. Police may request information during vetting.
How we help
Royal Global Compliance Consulting delivers end-to-end support—from scoping and documentation to regulator liaison and hearing preparation—so your submission is coherent, defensible, and inspection-ready.
- Pre-filing scoping: business model, product set, target customers, governance, financial resources, premises.
- Regulatory mapping: licensing perimeter under Cap. 163; fit-and-proper considerations for owners/officers; licensing conditions and advertising restrictions.
- Evidence-based preparation: consistent narratives across forms, statements, policies and exhibits; version control and audit trail.
- Proactive liaison: coordinated responses to Companies Registry requisitions, Police enquiries, and Licensing Court directions.
- Hearing & sign-off: applicant briefing, bundle preparation, and post-approval compliance kick-off.
Core documents & exhibits we assemble
- Application & Statement Forms (e.g., Form 2/4 for individuals/partnerships, supplementary sheets; corporate equivalents), with prescribed fees.
- Capability & governance evidence: track record/experience of controllers and managers; policies for underwriting, collections, complaints, AML/CFT, data protection.
- Financial standing: capital and liquidity support, bank references, latest financials/management accounts.
- Premises documentation: tenancy agreement, floor plan, landlord’s written consent for money-lending use; Occupation Permit (Buildings Department).
- Property proof: Land Register printouts from the Land Registry (where relevant).
- Corporate filings: annual return and constitutional documents (for company applicants).
- Advertising & disclosure pack: sample loan agreements, risk warnings/legends, fee schedules, website/social media copy aligned to Cap. 163 and licensing conditions (incl. affordability assessment requirements).
Our review & build-out covers
- Fit-and-proper assessment of owners, directors and managers; integrity, competence and financial soundness.
- Premises & operational controls: privacy/records, CCTV and security, segregation of cash handling, complaints & arrears protocols.
- Product governance: APR computation, interest, fees/charges, and disclosure against MLO limits; documentation of methodology and testing.
- Borrower protection & conduct: affordability assessment procedures (for unsecured personal loans), scripting/marketing standards, and audit trails.
Application pathway (high level)
- Intake & gap analysis – confirm scope, controllers/ROs, premises, documents and timelines.
- Compilation & filing – lodge forms and fees with the Companies Registry (Money Lenders Section).
- Regulatory vetting – respond to Police enquiries and Registry requisitions; refine disclosures.
- Licensing Court hearing – attend with originals and supporting bundles as directed.
- Grant of licence & conditions – implement any licensing conditions and operationalise the compliance calendar.
Why engage Royal Global
- Legal-grade drafting that stands up to regulatory and court scrutiny.
- Practical, proportionate controls tailored to your model and risk profile.
- Single accountable team coordinating all agencies and advisors through to grant.
Important: We act to professional standards on a best-efforts basis. Outcomes and timing remain at the discretion of the Companies Registry, the Police (where applicable), and the Licensing Court.
