Obtaining a Financial License in Hong Kong (MSO)

MSO license in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, rightfully considered one of the world’s most open, dynamic, and authoritative financial hubs. To legally conduct currency exchange and international money transfer activities, companies are required to obtain a special license - the Money Service Operator (MSO) license. Acquiring such authorization enables firms to integrate into Asian payment systems, collaborate with partners, open corporate bank accounts, and expand international operations on a safe and predictable legal platform.

Who needs an MSO license in Hong Kong?

Currency Exchange. In addition to fiat currencies, the license is also required for those working with cryptocurrency.
Remittance Services. Money transfers both domestically and abroad.
Startups. Such as payment applications or digital wallets.
Representatives of other MSO companies. Even if you merely represent another MSO company and receive commissions, you may still fall under licensing requirements.

Exemptions of licensing in Hong Kong

Exemptions from licensing apply to:

banks already operating under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA);
financial institutions regulated under other licenses;
and private individuals who do not systematically engage in money transfer or exchange activities.

Advantages of MSO Hong Kong

Thanks to its status as one of the world’s largest financial hubs, Hong Kong provides access to international markets and a multilingual professional environment. Key advantages of the jurisdiction include:

Transparent legal system. Hong Kong’s legal framework is based on English common law, with structured licensing procedures. In addition, the region has an independent judicial system.
Simple licensing procedure. While an MSO applicant must comply with KYC/AML (Know Your Customer / Anti-Money Laundering) standards, regulators do not burden applicants with excessive bureaucracy or overly extensive requirements.
Taxation. There is no VAT, capital gains tax, or withholding tax. In most cases, taxes are levied only on income generated within Hong Kong.
Currency control. This point is particularly critical for MSO companies working with international clients and cross-border payments.

Requirements for obtaining an MSO license in Hong Kong

The licensing authority is the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). Both local and foreign companies may apply. Mandatory requirements include:

Presence of an office in Hong Kong. A real office address is required, with proof in the form of a lease agreement or ownership document.
At least one director or shareholder, as well as at least one company secretary.
Appointment of a Compliance Officer / AML Officer.
Directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficiaries are subject to a C&ED background check confirming their reliability — meaning no criminal records, bankruptcies, etc.

Timeframe for obtaining the license - up to 6 months.

Required documents for MSO Hong Kong

Certificate of Incorporation;
Business Registration Certificate;
Articles of Association;
Ownership Structure Chart;
Board Resolution expressing the intention to apply for an MSO license.
Business plan;
Internal policies.

Our services in obtaining an MSO license in Hong Kong

The specialists at Law&Trust provide full support throughout the MSO licensing process in Hong Kong. We begin with a detailed review of your business model, then accompany you at every stage of document preparation, and guide you through the regulatory interview successfully.

In addition to company registration, we will develop the mandatory internal AML/KYC policy, prepare the complete set of corporate documents, and, if necessary, assist with opening a bank account. After the license is issued, you may also benefit from our post-licensing support services.

Thanks to our experience and streamlined process, obtaining a license becomes a straightforward and efficient task.