The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has clarified its guidelines regarding services provided by Hong Kong licensed companies to mainland Chinese clients. According to a recent interpretation of its May 22 circular, these companies can continue to open new accounts for mainland Chinese investors, provided they adhere to all account opening requirements. However, services must not be offered within mainland China. The SFC emphasized that while services can be extended to existing mainland clients, they must comply with all relevant Hong Kong laws and applicable jurisdictional regulations. This clarification follows a joint notice by mainland Chinese authorities on May 22, which extends its requirements to financial institutions in other jurisdictions when servicing mainland Chinese investors.