ICAC and SFC host first joint training after signing collaboration MoU
2019-8-19
To formalise and strengthen co-operation in combating corruption and financial crime, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today (August 19) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which sprang into action with a three-day joint training workshop.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, ICAC's Deputy Commissioner and Head of Operations, Mr Ricky Yau Shu-chun said the MoU was a milestone denoting closer collaboration between the two agencies which shared a mutual interest and respective duties in combating corrupt and illicit activities in the local financial market.
"The MoU sets out the framework for co-operation and collaboration between the two agencies in various aspects, showing our common determination in maintaining a level-playing field for doing business in Hong Kong," Mr Yau said.
The MoU covers a range of matters including referral of cases, joint investigations, exchange and use of information, mutual provision of investigative assistance, as well as capacity building.
Mr Thomas Allan Atkinson, Executive Director of Enforcement of SFC representing the agency to sign the MoU, said: "The arrangement under the MoU will enable the SFC to perform its statutory duties with greater efficiency and effectiveness in combating financial crime and maintaining the integrity of Hong Kong's securities and futures market. We look forward to closer collaboration with the ICAC."
To mark the two agencies' concerted efforts in capacity building, a three-day joint investigation training workshop focusing on listed companies corruption and market misconduct commenced today after the MoU signing ceremony.
The workshop, the first of its kind, will allow seasoned graft-fighters and market regulation experts from the ICAC and the SFC to pool their professional knowledge to expound on a myriad of topics.
A total of 20 participants, 10 from each agency, will exchange their expertise in planning arrest and search operations, interviewing suspects, preparation for court proceedings, computer forensics as well as market manipulation and insider dealings.
