New amendments affect both new CIS applicants and existing CIS issuers.

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Exchange) has recently published certain amendments on Chapter 20 of the Main Board Listing Rules (Listing Rules) governing collective investment schemes (CIS) that the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) authorises. The rules have been changed to:

• Clarify the eligibility requirement of a listing agent who handles a listing application on behalf of a new CIS applicant

• Streamline the application procedures for a new CIS applicant

• Clarify the procedures for the listing of additional interests in a close-ended CIS after listing

These amendments will apply to listing applications submitted to the Stock Exchange on or after 10 November 2014 for: (a) new listing applicants of CIS and (b) listed CIS issuers. The Stock Exchange has also issued a Guidance Letter (GL79-14) to provide guidance on the documentary requirements and administrative matters for CIS applications.