SFC Head's Prolonged Tenure Strengthens Hong Kong's Fintech Overhaul with Lion Rock Spirit

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has renewed Julia Leung Fung-yee’s contract as chief executive officer for another two years, aiming to maintain momentum in its ongoing regulatory initiatives.

that Leung, who began her term in January 2023, will continue in her role through December 31, 2027. This move highlights the authorities’ focus on steady leadership during a period of significant market reforms, such as tighter controls on fintech advancements and digital asset oversight. As the SFC’s first female CEO, Leung has played a key role in steering Hong Kong’s financial industry through both international regulatory shifts and domestic challenges.

The city’s overall economic strength also influenced the extension.

by 3.8% compared to the previous year, fueled by strong export performance and ongoing local consumption. This positive trend, along with the government’s updated 2025 GDP projection of 3.2%, reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a leading financial center in the region. that “the sustained rise in visitor arrivals and active financial markets” are likely to further boost service exports, an important area under the SFC’s purview.

At the same time, technology projects supported by Hong Kong are making headway, signaling efforts to broaden the city’s economic base. A local semiconductor company, StarFive, recently

named after Lion Rock, a symbol of Hong Kong’s perseverance. This chip, which works with Intel servers and is already being used by Huawei’s xFusion, is designed to meet the rising demand for AI-related computing. These advancements are in line with the SFC’s goal of encouraging innovation while upholding regulatory standards in new industries.

Regulatory conversations have also touched on ride-hailing platforms, with Uber Hong Kong calling for a more adaptable driver quota policy.

to consider licensing based on operational data such as wait times, suggesting that inflexible limits could worsen delays and increase costs for riders. With new regulations anticipated in early 2026, this discussion illustrates the SFC’s shifting responsibilities in managing market forces alongside consumer protection.