Market Existential | Charltons

Charltons

Julia Charlton and various invited guests speak about investment opportunities in many countries, and in China and Hong Kong in particular. Podcast offers you information about history of economics science and up-to-date changes in law system. Our podcast is divided in two categories: Legally Speaking and Market Debate. Under the 'Legally speaking' category we publish speakers performance on one subject and under the 'Market debate' we publish conversations with our guests.

  1. Sponsor Work and HKEX Consultation on Listing Reforms

    May 29

    Sponsor Work and HKEX Consultation on Listing Reforms

    In-depth analysis of SFC and HKEX responses to 2025 IPO boom quality issues: record 516 applications received, 119 listings raising HK$285.8 billion, yet deficiencies in documents, overstretched sponsors, unqualified staff, and 16 suspensions prompted joint letter to 13 sponsors in Dec 2025. SFC Circular 30 Jan 2026 details five concerns—serious document deficiencies and process-driven approaches, over-reliance on experts, insufficient principal capacity with new bright-line cap of five active engagements per Principal, unqualified principal appointments, and staff incompetence. Imposes immediate reporting obligations by 6/13 Feb 2026, enhanced HKSI LE Papers 1 and 16 exams with strict transitional rules and prohibitions, mandatory internal reviews and rectification plans by 30 Apr 2026 for Concerned HK Sponsors and Strained Principals, on-site thematic inspections, enforcement actions including licence restrictions, and 300-page document guidance. HKEX Consultation 13 Mar 2026 proposes WVR threshold halving (Test A to HK$20B, Test B to HK$6B), confidential filing for all applicants with PHIP-only OC announcement, and strengthened return mechanism publicly naming and shaming all professional parties (sponsors, legal advisers, reporting accountants, auditors, industry consultants, experts). Key statistics from 2025 Listing Committee Report on vetting pressures, enforcement (104 cases, 29 actions), and competitive context. Practical implications for sponsors, advisers, and applicants navigating elevated standards and reforms. #HongKongIPOs #SFCSponsorCircular #HKEXListingReforms Timecodes: 0:00 Introduction & Opening Remarks 5:02 Regional Context & Market Overview 10:04 Listing Application Quality Concerns 15:00 Regulatory Actions & Returned Applications 20:05 Equity Capital Markets Activity 25:01 Key Consultation Topics Overview 30:01 Listing Eligibility & Requirements 35:00 Role of Professional Parties 40:02 Resource Burden & Review Process 45:00 Consequences of Returned Applications 50:02 Implementation Timeline & Deadlines Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    52 min
  2. Listing Biotech Companies on the HKEX

    May 13

    Listing Biotech Companies on the HKEX

    In this comprehensive session, we explore the Chapter 18A regime introduced in 2018 that allows pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the Main Board without meeting the usual profit or revenue tests. The presentation covers the rapid growth of China’s biotech sector, the evolution of the HKEX biotech listing framework, detailed eligibility and suitability criteria (including Core Product requirements, sophisticated investor investment, minimum market capitalisation of HK$1.5 billion, enhanced working capital rules, and intellectual property ownership), listing document disclosure obligations, and the additional continuing obligations that apply post-listing. Recent developments such as the TECH consultation channel, confidential filing option, inclusion in Stock Connect, and updates to public float requirements are also discussed. Whether you are a biotech company considering an HKEX listing, an investor evaluating Chapter 18A stocks, or a legal professional advising on biotech IPOs, this webinar provides practical guidance and the latest regulatory insights from one of Hong Kong’s most experienced IPO lawyers. Watch the full recording to understand exactly what it takes for a pre-revenue biotech company to successfully list in Hong Kong today. #HKEX #BiotechListing #Chapter18A #PreRevenueBiotech #HongKongIPO #BiotechIPO #HKStockExchange Timecodes: 0:00 China’s Biotech Boom and Capital Markets Context 2:00 HKEX Chapter 18A — Why and How It Started 3:33 Market Impact and Stock Connect Inclusion 5:10 TECH Channel and Confidential Filing Reforms 7:02 Eligibility Framework and Scope of Chapter 18A 8:45 Defining Biotech and Core Product Suitability 10:29 Clinical and Regulatory Milestones — Drugs and Devices 13:37 Accepting Non-Competent Authority Trials — A Case Study 19:06 R&D Focus, Use of Proceeds, and IP Ownership 23:36 Sophisticated Investors and “Meaningful” Investment 25:34 Key 18A Eligibility: Market Capitalisation, Track Record, and Working Capital 29:02 Public Float — Initial and Ongoing Requirements 32:17 Existing Shareholders’ IPO Participation 35:26 Retail Allocation and Practice Note 18 37:21 Listing Document — Reduced Track Record and Core Disclosures 40:42 Disclosure Standards — Clarity, Balance, and Investor Protection 44:10 Summary, Risk Factors, and Industry Overview Requirements 47:38 Competitive Landscape and History & Development 49:24 Business Model, Clinical Data, and Licensing Terms 54:31 Commercialisation, Manufacturing, ESG, and IP Safeguards 56:24 Financial Information — Revenue, Burn Rate, and Funding Outlook 57:59 Continuing Obligations, Transactions, and Identification 59:47 Fundamental Change Restrictions and Delisting Framework 1:01:25 Transition Out of 18A Constraints and Closing Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1h 3m
  3. Overview of HK Stablecoin Regulation: Part 2

    Apr 29

    Overview of HK Stablecoin Regulation: Part 2

    Part 2: Hong Kong Stablecoin Regulation webinar presented by Julia Charlton. In this comprehensive session, Julia explores the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) obligations for HKMA-licensed stablecoin issuers, including the requirements for Travel Rule compliance, customer due diligence, wallet risk management, ongoing monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious transaction reporting. The webinar further details the licensing application process, restrictions on offering specified stablecoins to the Hong Kong public, and the various offences under the Stablecoins Ordinance. This recording is essential viewing for fintech companies, virtual asset service providers, banks, and legal professionals in Hong Kong. #HongKongStablecoin #StablecoinRegulation #HKMA #AMLCFT #TravelRule #StablecoinLicence #CryptoCompliance #HongKongFintech Timecodes: 0:00 Introduction & AML/CFT Overview 4:25 Customer Due Diligence 14:44 Wallet Risk Management 18:48 Ongoing Monitoring 24:42 Travel Rule Compliance 41:24 Sanctions & Screening 45:10 Suspicious Transaction Reporting 49:39 Record Keeping 53:51 Licensing Application Process 57:12 Offering Restrictions & Offences 1:08:11 Conclusion Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1h 8m
  4. Overview of HK Stablecoin Regulation Part 1

    Apr 28

    Overview of HK Stablecoin Regulation Part 1

    The session offers a detailed analysis of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s licensing framework applicable to Specified Stablecoins (fiat-referenced stablecoins). Topics addressed include the scope of regulated activities, eligibility criteria for licence applicants, incorporation requirements, HK$25 million minimum paid-up share capital requirement, fit-and-proper standards for controllers, directors and managers, and the requirement for stablecoins to be fully backed by high-quality, liquid assets. Additional subjects covered encompass segregation and custody of reserve assets, holders’ redemption rights, white paper disclosure obligations, risk management policies, governance structures, technology and operational controls, complaints handling procedures, incident management, business continuity planning, and orderly wind-down arrangements. The webinar further addresses continuing obligations, regulatory reporting to the HKMA, and offences under the Ordinance. #HongKongStablecoinRegulation #HKMAStablecoinLicence #SpecifiedStablecoins #StablecoinsOrdinance #HKMAStablecoin #HongKongFintech #VirtualAssetsHK #CharltonsLaw #CPDWebinar #StablecoinIssuer #FiatReferencedStablecoin Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 Agenda for Today's Webinar 01:15 Background & Foundation of the Regime 03:20 Definition of Specified Stablecoin 04:20 Exclusions from Regulation 05:10 Licensing Requirement 06:28 Offences for Unlicensed Activities 08:00 Eligibility Criteria 09:51 Financial Resources 11:14 Fit and Proper Standards 17:11 Full Reserve Asset Backing 26:35 Redemption Rights 29:09 Issuance Mechanism 30:55 Third Party Arrangements 36:20 Risk Management Framework 43:28 Technology & Operational Controls 49:11 White Paper & Disclosure Obligations 59:30 Conclusion Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1 hr
  5. Insider Dealing Under Hong Kong Law

    Apr 27

    Insider Dealing Under Hong Kong Law

    Comprehensive review of the SFO insider dealing regime, including offence elements, defences, enforcement powers, notable cases, proposed extraterritorial expansions, and the SFC’s Market Sounding Guidelines (effective 2 May 2025). #InsiderDealingHK #SFOHongKong #SFCMisconduct Timecodes: 00:00 Overview of Insider Dealing Regime 00:01:50 Enforcement & Classic Insider Trading 00:03:49 Takeover Context & Dawn Raids 00:04:58 Tipping & Overseas Extension 00:09:43 Mens Rea & Securities Definitions 00:13:10 Overseas Shares & Section 300 00:16:24 Extraterritorial Expansion & Connected Persons 00:19:42 Related Corporations & Inside Information 00:23:12 Generally Known & Materiality Tests 00:28:27 Dealings & Core Defences 00:31:43 Additional Defences & Safe Harbours 00:36:21 Innocent Purpose (Yiu Hoi Ying) 00:41:20 Civil Regime & MMT Powers 00:45:00 Inquisitorial Nature (Cheung Chak Nok) 00:50:13 MMT Sanctions 00:53:35 Circumstantial Proof Cases 00:58:52 Criminal Liability & Rights 01:02:11 Officers’ Duties 01:05:21 Section 203 & Tiger Asia 01:08:43 Doo Jun & Retech Cases 01:12:27 Additional Cases & Sentencing 01:19:35 Restriction Notices 01:25:04 Proposed Amendments Scope 01:31:38 Expansion Features & Mens Rea 01:36:31 Market Sounding Guidelines Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1h 38m
  6. Treasury Shares and Company Re-Domiciliation

    Jan 2

    Treasury Shares and Company Re-Domiciliation

    In-depth analysis of the Treasury Shares regime for issuers listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, including Listing Rule requirements, Companies Ordinance amendments effective 17 April 2025, and practical compliance considerations such as segregation in CCASS, resale mandates, and disclosure obligations. The session also examines the inward Company Re-domiciliation regime effective May 2025, detailing eligibility, application process administered by the Companies Registry, legal continuity, and taxation treatment. #TreasurySharesHK #CompanyRedomiciliation #HKEXListingRules Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction & Agenda 00:01:32 Legacy Rules & Rationale 00:03:08 Companies Ordinance Amendments 00:04:40 Treasury Shares Definition & Holding 00:06:12 Rights Suspension & Segregation 00:07:48 CCASS Mechanics by Jurisdiction 00:10:51 Repurchases & Resale Mandates 00:12:30 General Mandate Limits & Pricing 00:14:18 PRC A/H Share Rules 00:15:28 Connected Transactions & Share Schemes 00:16:56 Dealing Restrictions & Blackouts 00:20:12 New Listings Lock-ups 00:21:36 Mandate Documentation & Disclosures 00:23:19 Treasury Resale Reporting 00:24:44 Voting, Float & Codes Treatment 00:27:55 Part XV Disclosure of Interests 00:29:26 Companies Ordinance Treasury Regime 00:31:13 Membership & Rights Suspension 00:32:40 Bonus Shares & Capital Effects 00:34:01 Statutory Filings & Stamp Duty 00:37:14 Background to Redomiciliation 00:40:26 Legal Identity Continuity 00:42:05 Scope & Eligible Types 00:43:38 Eligibility Criteria 00:45:16 Solvency & Protections 00:47:18 Application Form Essentials 00:48:28 Foundational Documents 00:50:07 Foreign Law Legal Opinion 00:53:09 Financials & Board Certificate 00:54:46 Process & Approval 00:56:25 Post-Redomicile Filings 00:59:44 Debentures Obligations 01:01:20 Taxation & Stamp Duty 01:02:53 Transition & Records 01:04:29 Sectoral Regulators 01:06:06 Closing Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1h 8m
  7. UK-Focused Crypto Litigation & Investigations

    11/25/2025

    UK-Focused Crypto Litigation & Investigations

    Relive Legalink's Fintech Group webinar on UK-focused crypto litigation and investigations, moderated by Julia Charlton of Charlton's Law in Hong Kong. David Bowman, Legal Director at Weightmans, examines the legal status of crypto assets under English law, landmark cases from AA v Persons Unknown to recent fraud recoveries, and forthcoming regulatory developments including stablecoin frameworks and ETNs in 2026. Steve Sandford, Partner at CyXcel, covers practical tracing of illicit transactions, blockchain forensics, AI-enhanced investigations, and threats such as cross-chain crime and quantum computing. Discover expert insights into crypto property rights, jurisdictional challenges, asset recovery tactics, and global cooperation against ransomware and scams. Essential viewing for legal, compliance, and fintech professionals in the digital asset space. #CryptoLaw #UKFintech #DigitalAssets Timecodes: 0:00 Introduction & Global Crypto Context 6:04 Speaker Introductions 6:04 Crypto Assets Defined & Market Facts 10:16 Key Terminology Explained 13:44 UK Legal Foundations 18:58 Law Commission & Digital Assets Bill 20:47 Landmark Crypto Cases 36:25 Enforcement & Regulatory Roadmap 40:08 Investigations Landscape 45:57 Cross-Chain Obfuscation 50:01 Core Tracing Methods & OSINT 56:00 AI Tools & DeFi Challenges 1:02:03 Emerging Threats (Quantum, Privacy) 1:07:15 Recovery Strategies & Case Studies 1:09:49 Q&A: International Cooperation 1:13:34 UK Regulation Pace 1:18:00 Blockchain Traceability & AI 1:25:10 Developer Duties & DAOs 1:30:09 Stablecoin Peg Compliance 1:27:38 Closing Outlook Charltons Law Firm: https://www.charltonslaw.com/ Julia Charlton: https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/ Don’t forget to follow our social media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1647355

    1h 31m

About

Julia Charlton and various invited guests speak about investment opportunities in many countries, and in China and Hong Kong in particular. Podcast offers you information about history of economics science and up-to-date changes in law system. Our podcast is divided in two categories: Legally Speaking and Market Debate. Under the 'Legally speaking' category we publish speakers performance on one subject and under the 'Market debate' we publish conversations with our guests.