HKMA issues alert regarding specific website
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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong that 新美銀行 (translation: Newstates Bank) as referred to on the website (https://newstates.com/) does not have the authorization of the Monetary Authority (MA) under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business, or the business of taking deposits, in Hong Kong; Newstates Bank does not have the approval of the MA to establish a local representative office in Hong Kong under the Banking Ordinance; and Newstates Bank does not have a licence granted by the MA under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance to issue, or facilitate the issue of, a stored value facility (SVF) in Hong Kong.
Given the global nature of the internet, members of the public are reminded to verify the status of any organisation making use of the internet to offer bank accounts to, solicit deposits from, or offer SVF services to, the public in Hong Kong prior to transferring any funds to, or providing any personal information to, any such organisation.
The lists of authorized institutions and SVF licensees are available on the HKMA's website (www.hkma.gov.hk). Members of the public may also check the status of any entity which appears to be soliciting deposits from the public in Hong Kong, or holding itself out as a bank, deposit-taking company, or SVF licensee in Hong Kong, by emailing the HKMA’s public enquiry service (publicenquiry@hkma.gov.hk).
Anyone who has transferred monies or conducted any financial transaction, or who has provided personal information, in response to, or via, the above Website should contact the Police at any local Police Station or by calling the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Ends/Thursday, January 5, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:50
Issued at HKT 15:50
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