Padraig Walsh

14Dec2023

VATP Regulation in Hong Kong: The licence application requirements

A business that operates a centralised virtual asset trading platforms (VATP) in Hong Kong, or actively markets the business to persons in Hong Kong, must obtain a licence from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong. This is good news. There is a…Read More

30Nov2023

AI Impact Assessments: A practical guide for businesses

As AI becomes broadly integrated into enterprise applications and adopted by businesses, impact assessments before the adoption of AI driven technology will be essential – whether as a requirement of law or as prudent risk management and awareness. In this article, we highlight key principles…Read More

24Oct2023

VATP regulation in Hong Kong: The transitional arrangements

The regulation of virtual asset trading platforms (VATP) was introduced in Hong Kong at a time when a number of these trading platforms were already operating in Hong Kong. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has helpfully outlined a roadmap to facilitate those businesses, or…Read More

03Oct2023

PCPD joins international efforts to scrap scraping

In this legal update, we report that the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong (“PCPD”) has joined with eleven other privacy authorities across the globe to issue a joint statement on 24 August 2023 calling for awareness and action from social media platforms…Read More

09Aug2023

Consultation on proposed acceptance of commitments from Foodpanda and Deliveroo

On 1 June 2023, the Competition Commission commenced a consultation on its proposal to accept legally binding commitments (“Proposed Commitments”) from two leading online food delivery platforms in Hong Kong, Foodpanda and Deliveroo (“Platforms”). The Competition Commission conducted an investigation into the respective agreements between…Read More

26Jul2023

Legal Update: PCPD investigation report on credit reference agency data subject complaint

In this snapshot legal update, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) published an investigation report on 1 June 2023 concerning the TE Credit Reference System, developed by Softmedia Technology Company Limited (“Softmedia”) in January 2016. Softmedia was not a credit reference…Read More

21Jun2023

VATP regulation in Hong Kong: The regulatory perimeter

It is possible to apply to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong to obtain a licence to engage in activities relating to virtual assets. However, not all virtual asset services are regulated and require a licence from the SFC. So, the key…Read More

10May2023

Latest Privacy Update by Privacy Rules features Padraig Walsh on Hong Kong’s Legislative Change

This privacy espresso series by Privacy Rules features our partner, Padraig Walsh, providing a brief update on the changes in Hong Kong’s privacy legislation horizon. In this video, the following aspects were covered in regard to the changes:  Pàdraig believes that the data breach and…Read More

20Apr2023

SCMP features Padraig Walsh on Cryptocurrency is property in Hong Kong, court rules for the first time, bolstering city’s efforts to promote industry

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post’s ‘Tech Trends’ column by Xinmei Shen on 20 April 2023. A landmark court ruling recognising cryptocurrency assets as property has further boosted Hong Kong’s virtual asset industry, as the city takes steps to attract crypto firms…Read More

10Mar2023

Legal Update – HKMA Consultation Conclusions on Crypto-assets and Stablecoins

On 31 January 2023, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (the “HKMA”) issued the consultation conclusions to its discussion paper published on 12 January 2022 (the “Consultation Conclusions”). The Consultation Conclusions provide critical insights into the shape of the HKMA plans for stablecoin regulation in Hong…Read More

07Mar2023

Legal update: Potential changes to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance

In this snapshot legal update, we report that on 20 February 2023, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) reported plans to put forward amendments to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (“PDPO”) in 2023. The PCPD’s target is to present concrete proposed amendments and consult…Read More

01Feb2023

Hong Kong Cookies Regulation

Partner Pádraig Walsh provides the following overview on Hong Kong Cookies Regulation as part of a coordinated international review published in PIN CODE. Citation: Gary CYWIE, Charles MORGAN, Fabrice PERBOST, Alexander BRANDT, Padraig WALSH, Jun YANG and Eduardo USTARAN, ‘Cookies Regulations: An International Outlook’, Revue…Read More