To regulate banking business and the business of taking deposits; to make provision for the supervision of authorized institutions so as to provide a measure of protection to depositors; to promote the general stability and effective working of the banking system; to make provision for the supervision of money brokers; and to provide for matters incidental thereto or connected therewith. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 2) [The Ordinance, other than Part XVII 1 September 1986 L.N. 199 of 1986 Part XVII 1 September 1988 L.N. 210 of 1988] (Originally 27 of 1986) Cap 155 s 1 Short title PART I PRELIMINARY This Ordinance may be cited as the Banking Ordinance. (Enacted 1986) Cap 155 s 2 Interpretation (1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires- "accounts" (帐目) means any accounts, whether kept in writing or print or by any machine or device; "advertisement" (广告) includes every form of advertising, whether made orally or produced mechanically, electronically, magnetically, optically, manually or by any other means; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2) "Advisor" (顾问), in relation to an authorized institution, means the person appointed, pursuant to section 52(1)(B), to be the Advisor of the institution; (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) "approval" (核准)- (a) in relation to a company proposing to act as a money broker, means the approval of the company under section 118C(1)(a) to act as a money broker; (b) in relation to a money broker, means the certificate of approval held by the broker; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)"approved currency" (核准货币) means a currency- (a) freely convertible into Hong Kong dollars; or (b) approved by the Monetary Authority; (Added 64 of 1987 s. 2. Amended 82 of 1992 s. 11)"approved money broker" (核准货币经纪) means a money broker which holds a valid certificate of approval; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) "associate" (相联者), in relation to a person entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, voting power in relation to, or holding shares in, a company, means any other person in respect of whom that first-mentioned person has an agreement or arrangement, whether oral or in writing, express or implied, with respect to the acquisition, holding or disposal of shares or other interests in that company or under which they act together in exercising their voting power in relation to it; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) "auditor" (核数师) means a certified public accountant (practising) as defined in the Professional Accountants Ordinance (Cap 50); (Amended 23 of 2004 s. 56) "authorization" (认可) means, as the case requires- (a) the authorization under section 16 of a company to carry on banking business, a business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company or a business of taking deposits as a restricted licence bank, as the case may be; (b) the banking licence, registration or restricted banking licence, as the case may be, held by an authorized institution; (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2)"authorized institution" (认可机构) means- (a) a bank; (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2) (b) a restricted licence bank; or (Replaced 3 of 1990 s. 2) (c) a deposit-taking company; (Added 3 of 1990 s. 2)"authorized institution incorporated in Hong Kong" (在香港成立为法团的认可机构) means an authorized institution incorporated in Hong Kong by or under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32) or any other Ordinance and any reference to a bank incorporated in Hong Kong, a deposit-taking company incorporated in Hong Kong or a restricted licence bank incorporated in Hong Kong shall be construed accordingly; (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2) "authorized institution incorporated outside Hong Kong" (在香港以外成立为法团的认可机构) means an authorized institution incorporated by or under the law or other authority in any place outside Hong Kong; (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2; 94 of 1993 s. 2) "automated teller machine" (自动柜员机) means a terminal device, whether installed by an authorized institution or by some other person, which is linked directly or indirectly to a computer system used by an authorized institution and which provides facilities to customers of the institution; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2) "bank" (银行) means a company which holds a valid banking licence; (Amended 43 of 1990 s. 2) "Banking Advisory Committee" (银行业务谘询委员会) means the Banking Advisory Committee established by section 4; "banking business" (银行业务) means the business of either or both of the following- (a) receiving from the general public money on current, deposit, savings or other similar account repayable on demand or within less than the period specified in item 1 of the First Schedule or with a period of call or notice of less than that period; (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 3) (b) paying or collecting cheques drawn by or paid in by customers;"banking licence" (银行牌照) means a banking licence granted under section 16; (Amended 43 of 1990 s. 2) "capital adequacy ratio" (资本充足比率) means the capital adequacy ratio referred to in section 98; "certificate of approval" (核准证明书) means a certificate of approval attached to a notice under section 118C(1)(a) served on a company; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) "certificate of registration" (注册证明书) means a certificate of registration- (a) granted under section 119 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); and (b) which is in force; (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2)"chief executive" (行政总裁), in relation to an authorized institution, means the chief executive appointed under section 74 in respect of the institution, and includes an alternate chief executive so appointed; (Amended 95 of 1991 s. 2) "company" (公司) means a body corporate- (a) incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32); (b) incorporated by any other Ordinance; or (c) incorporated outside Hong Kong; (Amended 94 of 1993 s. 2)"controller" (控权人), in relation to a company- (a) means, in respect of all the provisions of this Ordinance, any person who is- (i) an indirect controller; or (ii) a majority shareholder controller; and(b) includes, in respect of the provisions of Part XIII, any person who is a minority shareholder controller,of that company, and references in this Ordinance to "control" (控制) shall be construed accordingly; (Replaced 95 of 1991 s. 2)"currency" (货币) includes- (a) the European Currency Unit; and (b) any medium of exchange the subject of a declaration under subsection (5)(a) which is in force; (Added 94 of 1993 s. 2)"dealing service" (交易服务) means a service, whether or not offered in person or by electronic means or otherwise, whereby the persons to whom the service is provided are given the ability to quote bid or offer prices or rates- (a) for the purpose of effecting an agreement of any type referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of "money broker" (and whether or not any such agreement is effected); and (b) which may be- (i) accepted by any of those other persons to whom they are quoted; or (ii) matched pursuant to the service; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)"deposit" (存款)- (a) means a loan of money- (i) at interest, at no interest or at negative interest; or (ii) repayable at a premium or repayable with any consideration in money or money's worth; but(b) does not include a loan of money- (i) upon terms involving the issue, by any company, of debentures or other securities in respect of which a prospectus has been registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32); (Replaced 64 of 1987 s. 2) (ii) upon terms referable to the provision of property or services; or (iii) by one company to another (neither company being an authorized institution) at a time when one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of another company,and references in this Ordinance to the taking or the making of a deposit shall be construed accordingly;"depositor" (存款人) means a person entitled to repayment of a deposit, whether made by him or not; "Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee" (接受存款公司谘询委员会) means the Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee established by section 5; "deposit-taking company" (接受存款公司) means a company which is currently registered; (Replaced 3 of 1990 s. 2. Amended 49 of 1995 s. 2) "director" (董事) includes any person who occupies the position of director, whatever the title of his office; "document" (文件) includes any publication (including a newspaper, magazine, journal or other periodical publication, a poster or notice, a circular, brochure, pamphlet or handbill, or a prospectus)- (a) directed at, or likely to be accessed or read (whether concurrently or otherwise) by, members of the public; and (b) whether produced mechanically, electronically, magnetically, optically, manually or by any other means; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2)"Exchange Fund" (外汇基金) means the Exchange Fund established under the Exchange Fund Ordinance (Cap. 66); (Added 82 of 1992 s. 11) "executive officer" (主管人员), in relation to a registered institution, means an executive officer appointed under section 71D in respect of the institution; (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2) "exercise" (行使), in relation to a function, includes perform and discharge; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) "former auditor" (前核数师) means a person who was formerly the auditor of an authorized institution or a former authorized institution; (Added 43 of 1990 s. 2) "former authorized institution" (前认可机构) means an institution which was formerly a bank, a restricted licence bank or a deposit-taking company; (Added 43 of 1990 s. 2) "functions" (职能) includes powers and duties; "holding company" (控股公司) and "subsidiary" (附属公司) have the same meaning as in the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32); "incorporated outside Hong Kong" (在香港以外成立为法团) includes established, by whatever means, outside Hong Kong; (Added 94 of 1993 s. 2) "indirect controller" (间接控权人), in relation to a company, means any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the company or of another company of which it is a subsidiary are accustomed to act, but does not include a Manager or Advisor, or any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions those directors are accustomed to act by reason only that they act on advice given by him in his professional capacity; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2. Amended 49 of 1995 s. 2) "invitation" (邀请) includes an offer and an invitation, whether made orally or produced mechanically, electronically, magnetically, optically, manually or by any other means; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) "issue" (发出), in relation to any advertisement, invitation or document, includes publishing, circulating, distributing or otherwise disseminating the advertisement, invitation or document, whether- (a) by any visit in person; (b) in a newspaper, magazine, journal or other periodical publication; (c) by the display of posters or notices; (d) by means of circulars, brochures, pamphlets or handbills; (e) by an exhibition of photographs or cinematography films; (f) by way of sound broadcasting or television; (g) by computer or other electronic device; or (h) by any other means, whether mechanically, electronically, magnetically, optically, manually or by any other medium, or by way of production or transmission of light, image or sound or any other medium,and also includes causing or authorizing the advertisement, invitation or document to be issued; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2)"liquidity ratio" (流动资产比率) means the liquidity ratio referred to in section 102; "local branch" (本地分行), in relation to- (a) an authorized institution which is a bank, means- (i) in the case of a bank incorporated in Hong Kong, a place of business thereof in Hong Kong, other than its principal place of business in Hong Kong or any automated teller machine, at which it carries on- (A) banking business; or (B) any other business whereby it may incur financial exposure mentioned in section 81(2), and to which members of the public ordinarily have physical access for the purposes of that business;(ii) in the case of a bank incorporated outside Hong Kong, a place of business thereof in Hong Kong, other than its principal place of business in Hong Kong or any automated teller machine, at which it carries on- (A) banking business; or (B) any other business whereby it may incur financial exposure mentioned in section 81(2), and to which members of the public ordinarily have physical access for the purposes of that business; and(b) an authorized institution which is a deposit-taking company or a restricted licence bank, means a place of business in Hong Kong of the deposit-taking company or the restricted licence bank, other than its principal place of business in Hong Kong or any automated teller machine, at which it carries on- (i) the business of taking deposits; or (ii) any other business whereby it may incur financial exposure mentioned in section 81(2), and to which members of the public ordinarily have physical access for the purposes of that business; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2)"local office" (本地办事处), in relation to an authorized institution- (a) subject to paragraph (b), means a place of business of the institution in Hong Kong from which any business of the institution is promoted or assisted and to which members of the public ordinarily have physical access for the purposes of that business; (b) does not include- (i) the institution's principal place of business in Hong Kong; (ii) a local branch established or maintained by the institution; (iii) an automated teller machine; (iv) a place of business of the institution used solely for the purposes of the administration of the affairs or business of the institution or the processing of transactions; or (v) a place of business of the institution, or a place of business of the institution belonging to a class of places of business, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(ca) not to be a place of business, or a class of places of business, as the case may be, for the purposes of this definition; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2)"local representative office" (本地代表办事处) means an office in Hong Kong of a bank within the meaning of section 46(9); (Replaced 94 of 1993 s. 2) "majority shareholder controller" (大股东控权人), in relation to a company, means any person who, either alone or with any associate or associates, is entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, more than 50% of the voting power at any general meeting of the company or of another company of which it is a subsidiary; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) "Manager" (经理人), in relation to an authorized institution, means the person appointed, pursuant to section 52(1)(C), to be the Manager of the institution; (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) "manager" (经理)- (a) subject to paragraph (c), in relation to an authorized institution incorporated in Hong Kong, means any individual, other than a director or chief executive of the institution, appointed by the institution, or by a person acting for or on behalf of or by an arrangement with the institution, to be principally responsible, either alone or with others, for the conduct of any one or more of the affairs or business of the institution specified in the Fourteenth Schedule; (b) subject to paragraph (c), in relation to an authorized institution incorporated outside Hong Kong, means any individual, other than a chief executive of the institution, appointed by the institution, or by a person acting for or on behalf of or by an arrangement with the institution, to be principally responsible, either alone or with others, for the conduct of any one or more of the affairs or business in Hong Kong of the institution specified in the Fourteenth Schedule; (c) does not include a person, or a person belonging to a class of persons, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(cb) not to be a manager, or a class of managers, as the case may be, for the purposes of this definition; (Replaced 32 of 2001 s. 2)"minority shareholder controller" (小股东控权人), in relation to a company, means any person who, either alone or with any associate or associates, is entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, 10% or more, but not more than 50%, of the voting power at any general meeting of the company or of another company of which it is a subsidiary; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) "Monetary Authority" (金融管理专员) means the Monetary Authority appointed under section 5A of the Exchange Fund Ordinance (Cap 66); (Added 82 of 1992 s. 11) "money at call" (短期通知款项) means money payable within not more than 24 hours of a demand therefor, but does not include money payable on demand; "money broker" (货币经纪)- (a) subject to paragraph (b), means a person who, for reward (whether by way of commission, fees or otherwise), carries on the business in or from Hong Kong, or provides to persons in Hong Kong the service, of negotiating, arranging or facilitating, whether by electronic means or otherwise, agreements between other persons- (i) in respect of- (A) the making of a deposit of any currency; (B) the purchase or sale of any currency, and whether or not the currency the subject of the purchase or sale is to be received or delivered immediately or at any future time or upon the happening of any future occurrence; or (C) the purchase or sale of an instrument, or an instrument belonging to a class of instruments, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(a) to be an instrument, or a class of instruments, as the case may be, for the purposes of this definition;(ii) one of which is an authorized institution; and (iii) as agent for, or as the provider of a dealing service to, not less than one of those persons;(b) does not include an authorized institution or- (i) subject to paragraph (c), a person acting as a money broker where the person is so acting wholly ancillary or incidentally to a business carried on by the person which, if the business is, or were to be, carried on in or from Hong Kong , is not, or would not be, as the case may be, the business of acting as a money broker; or (ii) a person, or a person belonging to a class of persons, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(b) not to be a person, or a class of persons, as the case may be, for the purposes of this definition;(c) includes a person, or a person belonging to a class of persons, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(c) to be a person, or a class of persons, as the case may be, to whom paragraph (b)(i) shall not apply; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)"multi-purpose card" (多用途储值卡)- (a) subject to paragraph (b), means a stored value card other than a single-purpose card; (b) does not include a stored value card, or a stored value card belonging to a class of stored value cards, declared in a notice under subsection (14)(d) not to be a stored value card, or a class of stored value cards, as the case may be, for the purposes of this definition; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)"opportunity of being heard" (陈词机会) means a reasonable opportunity of being heard; (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2) "overseas branch" (海外分行) means a branch outside Hong Kong of an authorized institution incorporated in Hong Kong, at which it carries on banking business or a business of taking deposits, as the case may be, whether or not the business of the branch is limited by the laws or regulations of the place in which the branch is situated and whether or not the branch is referred to as an agency in such place; "overseas representative office" (海外代表办事处) means an office outside Hong Kong, other than an overseas branch, of an authorized institution incorporated in Hong Kong; "public" (公众人士) means the public of Hong Kong, and includes any class of that public; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) "recognized stock market" (认可证券市场) has the same meaning as in section 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); (Added 5 of 2002 s. 407) "register" (纪录册) means the register maintained under section 20; (Replaced 49 of 1995 s. 2) "registered" (注册) means registered under section 16; (Replaced 49 of 1995 s. 2) "registered institution" (注册机构) means an authorized institution- (a) to which section 25(a) or 32 of Schedule 10 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) applies; or (b) granted a certificate of registration; (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2)"regulated activity" (受规管活动), in relation to a registered institution, means a regulated activity- (a) within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); and (b) in respect of which the institution is registered- (i) to carry on the activity; and (ii) by virtue of- (A) in the case of an institution falling within paragraph (a) of the definition of "registered institution", section 25(a) or 32 of Schedule 10 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); (B) in any other case, the certificate of registration granted to it; (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2)"require" (要求) means reasonably require; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) "reserves" (储备), in relation to an authorized institution, means reserves which appear in the accounts of the institution, but does not include any reserves which are represented by the writing down of the value of assets or by provision for the depreciation of fixed assets; (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) "restricted banking licence" (有限制银行牌照) means a restricted banking licence granted under section 16; (Added 3 of 1990 s. 2. Amended 49 of 1995 s. 2) "restricted licence bank" (有限制牌照银行) means a company which holds a valid restricted banking licence. (Added 3 of 1990 s. 2) "Securities and Futures Commission" (证监会) means the Securities and Futures Commission referred to in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); (Added 6 of 2002 s. 2) "share" (股份) means share in the share capital of a company, and includes stock except where a distinction between stock or shares is expressed or implied; and the expression "shareholder" (股东) includes a stockholder; "short-term deposit" (短期存款) means a deposit with an original term to maturity of less than the period specified in item 1 of the First Schedule or with a period of call or notice of less than such specified period; (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2) "single-purpose card" (单用途储值卡) means a stored value card referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b)(i) of the definition of "stored value card"; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) "specified sum" (指明款项), in relation to- (a) a deposit-taking company, means the sum referred to in section 14(1)(a); and (b) a restricted licence bank, means the sum referred to in section 14(1)(b); (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2) "stored value card" (储值卡) means a card (or like thing) on which data may be stored (or otherwise recorded) in electronic, magnetic or optical form and for or in relation to which a person pays a sum of money to the issuer of the card, whether directly or indirectly, in exchange for- (a) the storage of the value of that money, whether in whole or in part, on the card; and (b) either- (i) an undertaking (whether express or implied) by the issuer that, on the production of the card to the issuer, and whether or not some other action is also required, the issuer will supply goods or services (which shall not include money or money's worth); or (ii) an undertaking (whether express or implied) by the issuer that, on the production of the card to the issuer or a third party, and whether or not some other action is also required, the issuer or the third party, as the case may be, will supply goods or services (which may include money or money's worth); (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)"unsuccessful" (不成功), in relation to an appeal, includes any case where the appeal is abandoned or withdrawn; (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) "working day" (工作日) means a day other than a public holiday or a gale warning day within the meaning of section 2 of the Judicial Proceedings (Adjournment During Gale Warning Days) Ordinance (Cap 62). (Added 95 of 1991 s. 2) (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2; 43 of 1990 s. 2; 95 of 1991 s. 2; 94 of 1993 s. 2; 49 of 1995 s. 2; 5 of 2002 s. 407)(2) For the purposes of this Ordinance- (a) the taking of deposits includes holding out as being prepared to take deposits; (b) an advertisement, invitation or document issued by any person by way of display or exhibition in a public place shall be treated as being issued by him on every day on which he causes or authorizes it to be displayed or exhibited; (c) an advertisement, invitation or document which consists of or contains information likely to lead, directly or indirectly, members of the public to- (i) make deposits; or (ii) enter into, or offer to enter into, agreements to make deposits, shall be treated as being an advertisement, invitation or document which is or contains an advertisement, invitation or document to members of the public so to do; and(d) an advertisement, invitation or document issued by one person on behalf of or to the order of another shall be treated as an advertisement, invitation or document, as the case may be, issued by that other person. (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 2)(3) Without limiting the generality of any other meaning which "insolvent" (无力偿债) may have, an authorized institution shall, for the purposes of this Ordinance, be deemed to be insolvent if it has ceased to pay its debts in the ordinary course of business or it cannot pay its debts as they become due. (4) Where, under this Ordinance, an authorized institution is required to provide facilities to any person for the purpose of any investigation or examination of the institution, such facilities shall include photocopying facilities. (5) Where there is any doubt or dispute as to whether a medium of exchange is a currency for the purposes of this Ordinance, the Monetary Authority may, by notice in the Gazette- (a) declare that medium of exchange to be a currency for the purposes of this Ordinance; (b) declare that medium of exchange not to be a currency for the purposes of this Ordinance. (Added 94 of 1993 s. 2) (6) Any reference in this Ordinance to any person who signs any document includes a reference to any person who authorizes the signing of the document. (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) (7) Any reference in any provision of this Ordinance to a specified form means the form specified under section 133 for the purposes of that provision. (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) (8) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that any reference in this Ordinance to taking a deposit (or words to the like effect) includes holding a deposit. (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) (9) Any reference in this Ordinance to the relevant banking supervisory authority, in relation to a company incorporated outside Hong Kong, means the banking supervisory authority outside Hong Kong which, in the opinion of the Monetary Authority, has a supervisory responsibility for that company (and whether or not that authority is located in the place where that company is incorporated). (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2. Amended 42 of 1999 s. 2) (10) In sections 18(4), 22(4), 24(5) and 25(3), the term "continuing to hold a deposit" (继续持有存款) includes renewing a deposit. (Added 49 of 1995 s. 2) (11) References in this Ordinance to a person ("the facilitator") facilitating the issue of a multi-purpose card (or words to the like effect) mean facilitating the issue of such a card- (a) by another person ("the issuer"); and (b) by the provision, whether directly or indirectly or by electronic means or otherwise, by the facilitator to the issuer of valuable consideration the value of which determines, whether in whole or in part, the extent to which the issuer may provide any undertaking referred to in the definition of "stored value card" in respect of such multi-purpose card. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)(12) References in this Ordinance to the affairs, business and property of an authorized institution (including a former authorized institution) shall include, in the case of an institution which has or had approval under section 16(3A)(a) to issue or facilitate the issue of multi-purpose cards, any affairs, business and property of the institution arising from, or attributable to, whether directly or indirectly, that approval. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) (13) Where the Monetary Authority has exercised his power under section 22(1) to propose to revoke the authorization of an authorized institution, or the proposed revocation of the authorization of an authorized institution has taken effect in accordance with section 22(3), then, in the case of an institution which has or had approval under section 16(3A)(a) to issue or facilitate the issue of multi-purpose cards, section 22(4) shall, with all necessary modifications, operate in relation to any sum of money which is- (a) referred to in the definition of "stored value card" in the case of a stored value card which is such a multi-purpose card issued by the authorized institution or former authorized institution, as the case may be; or (b) paid to the authorized institution or former authorized institution, as the case may be, for facilitating the issue of such a multi-purpose card,as if any such sum was a deposit referred to in section 22(4) in respect of which the Monetary Authority may exercise his power under section 22(4) (and that power may be exercised accordingly). (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) (14) The Monetary Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, and subject to such conditions, if any, as are specified in the notice- (a) declare an instrument, or a class of instruments, to be an instrument, or a class of instruments, as the case may be, for the purposes of the definition of "money broker"; (b) declare a person, or a class of persons, not to be a money broker, or a class of money brokers, as the case may be, for the purposes of the definition of "money broker"; (c) declare a person, or a class of persons, to be a person, or a class of persons, as the case may be, to whom paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of "money broker" shall not apply; (ca) declare a place of business, or a class of places of business, not to be a place of business, or a class of places of business, as the case may be, for the purposes of the definition of "local office"; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) (cb) declare a person, or a class of persons, not to be a manager, or a class of managers, as the case may be, for the purposes of the definition of "manager"; (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) (d) declare a stored value card, or a class of stored value cards, not to be a stored value card, or a class of stored value cards, as the case may be, for the purposes of the definition of "multi-purpose card". (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)(15) It is hereby declared that- (a) any reference to "production" in the definition of "stored value card" includes the use of a stored value card to operate a machine or other device; and for the purpose of- (i) obtaining or paying for, whether directly or indirectly, the supply of goods or services by the issuer or a third party, or any combination thereof; or (ii) the transfer to another person of money or money's worth, whether directly or indirectly;(b) where the issuer of a multi-purpose card is or was a bank, then any obligation- (i) on the issuer to redeem or refund, or otherwise give value for, any value which is or was stored on that card; and (ii) which is recorded, or which is required to be recorded, as a liability on the balance sheet of the issuer, shall be deemed to be a deposit for the purposes of section 265(1)(db) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32);(c) any reference in this Ordinance to a person acting as a money broker (or words to the like effect) includes a person holding himself out to be a money broker; (d) a notice under subsection (14) is subsidiary legislation. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3)(16) Any reference in this Ordinance to a continuing offence means an offence consisting of a person's continued default, refusal or other contravention of a requirement (howsoever described) of this Ordinance, and notwithstanding that the period specified by or under this Ordinance for complying with that requirement has expired. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 3) (17) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that any reference in this Ordinance to the commission of an offence by every director, every chief executive and every manager of an authorized institution or other company (including any grammatical variations or cognate expressions of such reference) means that one or more than one of any such director, chief executive and manager may be prosecuted for the offence. (Added 32 of 2001 s. 2) Cap 155 s 3 Application (1) Part III of this Ordinance shall not apply to the taking of any deposit by- (a) a trust company registered under Part VIII of the Trustee Ordinance (Cap 29); (b) a credit union registered under the Credit Unions Ordinance (Cap 119); (c) a company, where such deposit is secured by a mortgage, or charge, registered or to be registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32); (d) a person bona fide carrying on insurance business where such deposit is taken in the ordinary course of such business; (e) a person bona fide operating a superannuation or provident fund where such deposit is taken for the purposes of such fund; (f) a public utility company specified in Schedule 3 to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap 112) where such deposit is taken from a consumer; (Amended 95 of 1991 s. 3) (g) an employer where such deposit is taken from a bona fide employee; (h) a solicitor, where such deposit is taken from a client, or as a stakeholder, in the ordinary course of his practice; (Amended 64 of 1987 s. 3) (i) (Repealed 78 of 1999 s. 7) (j) a corporation who is licensed to carry on a business in dealing in securities, dealing in futures contracts, leveraged foreign exchange trading or securities margin financing under Part V of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) where rules made under section 149 of that Ordinance apply to such deposit; (Replaced 5 of 2002 s. 407(2)) (ja) a mutual fund or unit trust authorized as a collective investment scheme under section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571); (Replaced 5 of 2002 s. 407(2)) (k) a person authorized under Part III of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) to provide automated trading services as defined in Part 2 of Schedule 5 to that Ordinance, where such deposit is provided as security in relation to a transaction referred to in paragraph (c) of that definition; (Replaced 5 of 2002 s. 407(2)) (ka) (Repealed 5 of 2002 s. 407(2)) (l) a recognized clearing house within the meaning of section 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571), where such deposit is provided as security in relation to a market contract within the meaning of that section; or (Added 68 of 1992 s. 20. Amended 62 of 1995 s. 12; 5 of 2002 s. 407(2)) (m) the Exchange Fund established by the Exchange Fund Ordinance (Cap 66). (Replaced 64 of 1987 s. 3) (2) Part III of this Ordinance shall not apply to the taking of any deposit from- (a) an authorized institution; (b) a bank incorporated outside Hong Kong that is not an authorized institution; (Amended 94 of 1993 s. 3; 49 of 1995 s. 3) (c) a money lender licensed under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap 163) in the ordinary course of his business as a money lender; or (d) a pawnbroker licensed under the Pawnbrokers Ordinance (Cap 166) in the ordinary course of his business as a pawnbroker. (3) Notwithstanding anything in The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited Ordinance (Cap 70), this Ordinance shall apply to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. (Amended L.N. 333 of 1989; 95 of 1991 s. 3) (4) Where there is any conflict or inconsistency between this Ordinance and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited Ordinance (Cap 70) the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail. (Amended L.N. 333 of 1989; 95 of 1991 s. 3) (5) An authorized institution which is incorporated or registered by or under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32) shall be subject to that Ordinance as well as to this Ordinance, except that where there is any conflict or inconsistency between this Ordinance and the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32) the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail. (Enacted 1986) Cap 155 s 4 Banking Advisory Committee Remarks: Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 68 of 1999 s. 3 PART II APPOINTMENTS, FUNCTIONS OF MONETARY AUTHORITY, REPORTS BY MONETARY AUTHORITY AND POWER OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO GIVE DIRECTIONS (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25; 68 of 1999 s. 3) (1) There is hereby established a Banking Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the Chief Executive upon any matter connected with this Ordinance, in particular in relation to banks and the carrying on of banking business, and of advising the Chief Executive in Council and in any case where the advice of the Committee is sought under section 53(2). (Amended 94 of 1993 s. 4) (2) The Banking Advisory Committee shall consist of the Financial Secretary, who shall be the chairman, the Monetary Authority, and such other persons, not being less than 4 nor more than 12, as the Chief Executive may from time to time appoint. (3) The members of the Banking Advisory Committee appointed by the Chief Executive shall hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Chief Executive may specify in their appointments. (4) In the absence of the chairman at any meeting of the Banking Advisory Committee, the Financial Secretary may appoint the chairman. (Enacted 1986. Amended 82 of 1992 s. 12; 68 of 1999 s. 3) Cap 155 s 5 Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee Remarks: Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 68 of 1999 s. 3 (1) There is hereby established a Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the Chief Executive upon any matter connected with this Ordinance, in particular in relation to deposit-taking companies and restricted licence banks and the carrying on of a business of taking deposits by them, and of advising the Chief Executive in Council and in any case where the advice of the Committee is sought under section 53(2). (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 2; 94 of 1993 s. 5) (2) The Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee shall consist of the Financial Secretary, who shall be the chairman, the Monetary Authority, and such other persons, not being less than 4 nor more than 12, as the Chief Executive may from time to time appoint. (3) The members of the Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee appointed by the Chief Executive shall hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Chief Executive may specify in their appointments. (4) In the absence of the chairman at any meeting of the Deposit-taking Companies Advisory Committee, the Financial Secretary may appoint the chairman. (Enacted 1986. Amended 82 of 1992 s. 13; 68 of 1999 s. 3) Cap 155 s 6 (Repealed) (Repealed 82 of 1992 s. 14) Cap 155 s 7 Functions of Monetary Authority (1) The principal function of the Monetary Authority under this Ordinance shall be to promote the general stability and effective working of the banking system. (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 15) (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Monetary Authority shall- (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25) (a) be responsible for supervising compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance; (b) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the principal places of business, local branches, local offices, overseas branches and overseas representative offices of all authorized institutions and local representative offices are operated in a responsible, honest and business-like manner; (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 3) (c) promote and encourage proper standards of conduct and sound and prudent business practices amongst authorized institutions and money brokers; (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 4) (d) suppress or aid in suppressing illegal, dishonourable or improper practices in relation to the business practices of authorized institutions; (e) co-operate with and assist recognized financial services supervisory authorities of Hong Kong or of any place outside Hong Kong, whenever appropriate, to the extent permitted by this or any other Ordinance; (Amended 95 of 1991 s. 4; 6 of 2002 s. 3) (f) consider and propose reforms of the law relating to banking business and the business of taking deposits; and (Amended 6 of 2002 s. 3) (g) take all reasonable steps to ensure that any banking business, any business of taking deposits, or any other business, carried on by an authorized institution is carried on- (i) with integrity, prudence and the appropriate degree of professional competence; and (ii) in a manner which is not detrimental, or likely to be detrimental, to the interests of depositors or potential depositors. (Added 6 of 2002 s. 3)(3) The Monetary Authority may from time to time cause to be prepared and published by notice in the Gazette, for the guidance of authorized institutions, guidelines not inconsistent with this Ordinance, indicating the manner in which he proposes to exercise functions conferred or imposed by this Ordinance upon him. (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25) Cap 155 s 8 (Repealed) (Repealed 82 of 1992 s. 16) Cap 155 s 9 Reports by Monetary Authority Remarks: Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 68 of 1999 s. 3 (1) The Monetary authority shall, as soon as practicable after each 31 December, prepare and furnish to the Financial Secretary a report on the working of this Ordinance and on the activities of his office during the preceding year and, in that report, may set out any measures that he considers necessary for improving the working of this Ordinance and of the activities of his office. (Amended 94 of 1993 s. 6) (2) In the report under subsection (1), the Monetary Authority shall draw attention to any breach or avoidance of this Ordinance that has come to his notice during the preceding year or any irregularity discovered by him in the accounts and records of the financial transactions of any authorized institution for that period which is, in his opinion, of sufficient importance to justify him so doing. (3) The Monetary Authority shall, at such times as he considers necessary, report to the Financial Secretary on improvements that he considers to be desirable in the operation and management of his office. (4) The Chief Executive may, at any time, request the Monetary Authority to report to him on any matter relating to the working of this Ordinance or the activities of the office of the Monetary Authority, and the Monetary Authority shall, forthwith, prepare and furnish a report to the Chief Executive accordingly. (Amended 68 of 1999 s. 3) (5) Where the Financial Secretary is furnished with a report under subsection (1), he may, as he thinks fit, publish the report, in whole or in part, in such manner as he thinks fit or decline to publish any part of the report. (Replaced 94 of 1993 s. 6) (6) (Repealed 94 of 1993 s. 6) (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25) Cap 155 s 10 Power of Chief Executive to give directions Remarks: Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 68 of 1999 s. 3 (1) The Chief Executive may give to the Financial Secretary and the Monetary Authority such directions as he thinks fit with respect to the exercise of their respective functions under this Ordinance, either generally or in any particular case. (2) The Financial Secretary and the Monetary Authority shall, in the exercise of their respective functions under this Ordinance, comply with any directions given by the Chief Executive under this section. (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25; 68 of 1999 s. 3) Cap 155 s 11 Banking business restricted to licensed banks PART III BANKING BUSINESS AND BUSINESS OF TAKING DEPOSITS TO BE CARRIED ON BY AUTHORIZED INSTITUTIONS ONLY (1) No banking business shall be carried on in Hong Kong except by a bank (other than a bank the banking licence of which is for the time being suspended under section 24 or 25). (Amended 49 of 1995 s. 4) (2) Any person who and every director and every manager of a company which contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) Cap 155 s 12 Restriction on business of taking deposits (1) No business of taking deposits shall be carried on in Hong Kong except by an authorized institution (other than an authorized institution the authorization of which is for the time being suspended under section 24 or 25). (Amended 49 of 1995 s. 5) (2) A deposit-taking company shall not take any short-term deposit in Hong Kong. (3) A deposit-taking company shall not, without the written permission of the Monetary Authority, repay any deposit within a period of less than the period specified in item 1 of the First Schedule from the date on which the deposit was taken by the company. (Amended 82 of 1992 s. 25) (4) No deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank shall receive money on savings account. (5) Subject to section 14, a restricted licence bank may take short-term deposits. (Amended 49 of 1995 s. 5) (6) Any person who contravenes subsection (1), every director, every chief executive and every manager of a deposit-taking company which contravenes subsection (2), (3) or (4), and every director, every chief executive and every manager of a restricted licence bank which contravenes subsection (4), commits an offence and is liable- (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 24) (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27)(7) Any person who enters into a contract or arrangement, or uses any device or scheme, which has the effect of, or is designed to have the effect of, avoiding subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) (8) For the purposes of any proceedings for an offence under subsection (6), if it is proved that a person took deposits on at least 5 separate occasions within any period of 30 days, that person shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be deemed to have been carrying on a business of taking deposits. (Amended 49 of 1995 s. 5) (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 4) Cap 155 s 13 Power to grant exemptions (1) The Financial Secretary may, by notice in the Gazette, exempt any person or class of persons from section 12(1) and, if the Financial Secretary thinks fit, in that notice also exempt that person or class of persons from section 92(1) in respect of the business of taking deposits to which the exemption from section 12(1) relates. (Replaced 64 of 1987 s. 4) (2) An exemption under subsection (1) shall be subject to such conditions as are specified in the notice. (3) The Financial Secretary may at any time by notice in the Gazette- (a) revoke an exemption under subsection (1); or (b) revoke, vary, or add to, any condition subject to which such exemption is granted. Cap 155 s 14 Deposit-taking company not to take deposits less than specified sum (1) Subject to subsection (2)- (a) a deposit-taking company shall not take in Hong Kong any deposit from a depositor of a sum less than the amount specified in item 2 of the First Schedule; and (b) a restricted licence bank shall not take in Hong Kong any deposit from a depositor of a sum less than the amount specified in item 3 of the First Schedule. (Amended 95 of 1991 s. 5) (2) A deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank may take a deposit from a depositor of a sum less than the specified sum applying at the date of that deposit if the amount standing to the credit of the depositor with the deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank, as the case may be, at the time any such deposit is taken is not less than the specified sum applying at the date of that deposit. (3) Except where a depositor withdraws the whole amount standing to his credit with a deposit-taking company or a restricted licence bank, the deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank, as the case may be, shall not at the time of the withdrawal of any sum permit the amount of the balance standing to the credit of the depositor to be less than the specified sum. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3), where a depositor has an amount standing to his credit with a deposit-taking company or a restricted licence bank at a time when the specified sum is amended by being increased, the deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank, as the case may be, may permit the amount of the balance to be reduced by withdrawals to any amount that is not less than the specified sum as it was before being so amended. (5) Every director, every chief executive and every manager of a deposit-taking company or a restricted licence bank which contravenes subsection (1) or (3) commits an offence and is liable- (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 24) (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 2 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27)(6) Any person who holds himself out, whether as a broker or agent of a deposit-taking company or a restricted licence bank or otherwise, as being prepared to take from any person, any sum less than the specified sum for the purpose of making a deposit of that sum, or of that sum and other sums, with the deposit-taking company or restricted licence bank, as the case may be, commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 2 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27)(7) Any person who enters into a contract or arrangement, or uses any device or scheme, which has the effect of, or is designed to have the effect of, avoiding subsection (1) or (3) commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) (Amended 3 of 1990 s. 5) Cap 155 s 14A Only authorized institutions may issue, etc. multi-purpose cards (1) No person shall- (a) issue a multi-purpose card; or (b) facilitate the issue of a multi-purpose card,except an authorized institution (other than an authorized institution the authorization of which is for the time being suspended under section 24 or 25) which, subject to section 16(5) as read with section 16(9), has approval to do so under section 16(3A)(a). (2) The provisions of sections 11, 12 and 14 shall not apply to or in relation to a sum of money- (a) referred to in the definition of "stored value card" in the case of a stored value card which- (i) is a multi-purpose card; or (ii) but for a declaration under section 2(14)(d), would be a multi-purpose card; or(b) paid for facilitating the issue of- (i) a multi-purpose card; or (ii) a stored value card which, but for a declaration under section 2(14)(d), would be a multi-purpose card,if, but only if, the sum is paid, whether directly or indirectly, to- (i) an authorized institution which has the relevant approval referred to in subsection (1); or (ii) an issuer of a stored value card which, but for a declaration under section 2(14)(d), would be a multi-purpose card.(3) Any person who and every director and manager of a company which contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months.(4) Any person who enters into a contract or arrangement, or uses any device or scheme, which has the effect of, or is designed to have the effect of, avoiding subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable- (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 8 and to imprisonment for 5 years; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 5) Cap 155 s 15 Application for authorization, etc. PART IV AUTHORIZATION (1) A company which proposes to carry on- (a) banking business; (b) a business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company; or (c) a business of taking deposits as a restricted licence bank, shall apply to the Monetary Authority for authorization to carry on that business. (2) There shall be lodged with the Monetary Authority in respect of an application for authorization from a company- (a) a copy of the memorandum and articles of association or other document constituting the company, which shall be verified in such manner as the Monetary Authority may require; and (b) such other documents and information as may be required by the Monetary Authority.(3) An application for authorization from a company where- (a) subsection (1)(b) is applicable; and (b) the principal business of which is or will be the issuing or facilitating the issue of multi-purpose cards,may include an application that the company be approved under section 16(3A)(a) to issue or facilitate the issue of such cards. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 6) (Replaced 49 of 1995 s. 6) Cap 155 s 16 Grant or refusal of authorization, etc. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (6), the Monetary Authority may, on receipt of an application in accordance with section 15 from a company- (a) authorize the company to carry on the business the subject of the application subject to such conditions, if any, as he may think proper to attach to the company's authorization in any particular case; or (b) refuse to so authorize the company. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1)(b), the Monetary Authority shall refuse to authorize a company under that subsection if any one or more of the criteria specified in the Seventh Schedule applicable to or in relation to the company are not fulfilled with respect to the company. (3) The authorization of a company under subsection (1)(a) shall be effected by- (a) the grant of a banking licence where the carrying on of banking business is the subject of the company's application for authorization; (b) registering the company where the carrying on of a business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company is the subject of the company's application for authorization, for which purpose the Monetary Authority shall- (i) enter in the register the relevant particulars specified in section 20; and (ii) notify the company in writing of the registration and date of registration; (c) the grant of a restricted banking licence where the carrying on of a business of taking deposits as a restricted licence bank is the subject of the company's application for authorization.(3A) Where the Monetary Authority has authorized a company under subsection (1)(a) and section 15(3) is applicable to the application referred to in that subsection from the company, the Monetary Authority may- (a) approve the company to issue or facilitate the issue of multi-purpose cards subject to such conditions, if any, as he may think proper to attach to the company's authorization in any particular case; (b) subject to subsection (6), refuse to so approve the company. (Added 4 of 1997 s. 7)(3B) A bank shall be deemed to be approved under subsection (3A)(a) to issue or facilitate the issue of multi-purpose cards, and the other provisions of this Ordinance shall be construed accordingly (but without prejudice to the operation of subsection (9)(ac)). (Added 4 of 1997 s. 7) (4) Where the Monetary Authority refuses to authorize a company under subsection (1)(b) or to approve a company under subsection (3A)(b), he shall notify the company in writing of- (a) the refusal; and (b) the reasons for the refusal. (5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1)(a) or (3A)(a) but subject to section 134A, the Monetary Authority may at any time, by notice in writing served on an authorized institution, attach to its authorization such conditions (including attach by way of amending conditions already attached to its authorization), or cancel any conditions attached to its authorization, as he may think proper. (6) Before exercising his power under subsection (1)(b) or (3A)(b) to refuse to authorize or approve a company, the Monetary Authority shall give the company an opportunity, within such period as the Monetary Authority may specify in writing, being a period reasonable in all the circumstances, of being heard. (7) (Repealed 4 of 1997 s. 27) (8) Every director, every chief executive and every manager of an authorized institution which contravenes any condition attached under subsection (1)(a), (3A)(a) or (5) to its authorization commits an offence and is liable- (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 24) (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 7; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5,and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine at tier 2 for every day during which the offence continues. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) (9) It is hereby declared that, without limiting the generality of subsection (1)(a), (3A)(a) or (5), conditions attached under that subsection to an authorization may- (a) impose restrictions, either generally or in any particular case, on the banking business, business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company or business of taking deposits as a restricted licence bank, or business of issuing or facilitating the issue of multi-purpose cards, as the case may be, which may be carried on by the authorized institution to which the authorization relates; (aa) impose requirements in respect of the administration, maintenance, management, use and regulation of any sums of money which are- (i) referred to in the definition of "stored value card" in the case of a stored value card which is a multi-purpose card issued by the authorized institution to which the authorization relates; or (ii) paid to the authorized institution to which the authorization relates for facilitating the issue of a multi-purpose card; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 7)(ab) impose requirements in respect of the separation of any sums referred to in paragraph (aa) from other sums paid to or received by the institution referred to in that paragraph; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 7) (ac) in the case of subsection (5), require the authorized institution to which the authorization relates to cease any of the following- (i) issuing or facilitating the issue of multi-purpose cards; (ii) taking any further sum of money- (A) referred to in the definition of "stored value card" in relation to any multi-purpose cards issued by it; or (B) for facilitating the issue of multi-purpose cards, with effect on and from such date as is specified in the notice under that subsection concerned; (Added 4 of 1997 s. 7)(b) notwithstanding any other provisions of this Ordinance or the provisions of any other enactment (including the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32)), impose requirements in relation to the accounts of the authorized institution to which the authorization relates, including- (i) the institution's audited annual accounts within the meaning of section 60(11); (ii) any supplementary information to those audited annual accounts; (iii) the report of the directors under section 129D(1) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32); (iv) the institution's cash flow statement, together with any notes thereon, where the statement does not already form part of those audited annual accounts; (v) the disclosure (whether to the public or otherwise) of those audited annual accounts, that supplementary information, that report, that cash flow statement or those notes. (10) The Monetary Authority may from time to time cause to be prepared and published by notice in the Gazette, for the guidance of companies seeking to be authorized, guidelines not inconsistent with this Ordinance, indicating the manner in which he proposes to exercise functions conferred or imposed by this section and the Seventh Schedule upon him. (Replaced 49 of 1995 s. 6. Amended 4 of 1997 s. 7) Cap 155 s 17 Application for authorization in the case of proposed company Where a body of persons proposes to form a company for the purpose of carrying on a business referred to in section 15(1), it may apply to the Monetary Authority for an intimation as to whether or not the company will be authorized to carry on that business upon its incorporation and, in the case of any such application, the provisions of sections 15(2) and 16 and the Seventh Schedule shall be read and have effect with such modifications as may be necessary to take account of such application. (Replaced 49 of 1995 s. 6) Cap 155 s 18 Variation of authorization (1) Where a deposit-taking company is authorized to carry on banking business or a business of taking deposits as a restricted licence bank, it shall thereupon cease to be a deposit-taking company. (2) Where a restricted licence bank is authorized to carry on banking business or a business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company, it shall thereupon cease to be a restricted licence bank. (3) Where a bank is authorized to carry on a business of taking deposits as a deposit-taking company or as a restricted licence bank, it shall thereupon cease to be a bank. (4) The Monetary Authority may, by notice in writing served on an authorized institution, consent to the institution continuing to hold a deposit- (a) lawfully taken by the institution before the date on which subsection (1), (2) or (3) applied to the institution; (b) the holding of which on or after that date would, but for this subsection, contravene any of the provisions of section 11, 12 or 14; and (c) subject to such conditions, if any, as he may think proper to attach to the consent in any particular case, and, accordingly, if the institution continues to hold that deposit on or after that date pursuant to that consent and in accordance with those conditions, if any, then it shall be deemed not to have thereby contravened any of those provisions. (5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4)(c), the Monetary Authority may, by notice in writing served on an authorized institution, attach to a consent given to the institution pursuant to subsection (4) such conditions (including attach by way of amending conditions already attached to such consent), or cancel any conditions attached to such consent, as he may think proper. (6) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4)(c) or (5), conditions referred to in that subsection may specify- (a) the period for which a deposit referred to in subsection (4) may be held by the authorized institution concerned; (b) the manner in which such deposit may be held or used by the institution. (7) The Monetary Authority may, by notice in writing served on an authorized institution, require the institution to submit, within such period and in such manner as are specified in the notice, such information as he may reasonably require to ascertain whether the institution is complying with any conditions referred to in subsection (4)(c) or (5) attached to a consent given to the institution pursuant to subsection (4). (8) (Repealed 4 of 1997 s. 27) (9) Every director, every chief executive and every manager of an authorized institution which contravenes any condition referred to in subsection (4)(c) or (5) attached to a consent given to the institution pursuant to subsection (4) commits an offence and is liable- (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 24) (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 7; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5,and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine at tier 2 for every day during which the offence continues. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27) (10) Every director, every chief executive and every manager of an authorized institution which fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any requirement under subsection (7) commits an offence and is liable- (Amended 32 of 2001 s. 24) (a) on conviction upon indictment to a fine at tier 7 and to imprisonment for 2 years and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine at tier 3 for every day during which the offence continues; or (b) on summary conviction to a fine at tier 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine at tier 2 for every day during which the offence continues. (Amended 4 of 1997 s. 27)(11) Any person who signs any document for the purposes
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