Type 10 regulated activities of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission

Hong Kong License No. 10
Provide credit rating services
Complete Guide to Application and Compliance

This comprehensive analysis of credit rating agencies' (CRA) licensing requirements, license structure (both large and small), CRA Code compliance framework, and application strategies will help you efficiently obtain a Type 10 license. (SFC Type 10 license)

≈7

All licensed CRAs in Hong Kong

Starting from HK$10 million

Minimum quick capital

Approximately 15 weeks

SFC Approval Period

Section 1

What is a Type 10 license (for providing credit rating services)?

Under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO), Type 10 regulated activities cover credit rating services offered to the public.

To prepare a credit rating for the following purposes: (a) to publish it to the public, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, or as reasonably expected; or (b) to distribute it by subscription, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, or as reasonably expected.

In short: If your organization's credit ratings are published to the public or distributed via subscription, you will need to apply for a Type 10 license.

View SFC's official card dealing instructions

Quick Reference

Business trigger conditions

Determine if your business needs to apply for a No. 10 license plate.

The unique features of Type 1 licence0

Key features that distinguish it from other SFC license types

There are only about 7 licensed CRAs in Hong Kong, making it the type of license with the fewest licenses among all SFC licenses. The market is highly concentrated in the three major international rating agencies.

Unlike other licenses, the core obstacle of license number 10 is not the capital threshold, but the scientific nature of the rating methodology and the accumulation of market reputation.

Type 10 license holders must comply with the specific Code of Conduct for Credit Rating Agencies (CRA Code), which has been in effect since June 2011.

Latest policy updates

Pay attention to the latest regulatory developments related to Type 1 licence0.

ARC Ratings (Asia Pacific) Limited has been granted a Type 10 license by the SFC, becoming the first cross-border rating agency to be licensed outside of the transition period.

SFC announced that it will resume collecting annual license fees starting in April 2025, after a temporary exemption due to the pandemic.

SFC is focusing on the boundary between ESG ratings and traditional credit ratings, and may introduce specific regulatory guidelines for ESG ratings in the future.

What types of organizations are suitable for Type 1 licence0?

View typical customer scenarios

Section Two

Which organizations need to apply for Type 1 licence0?

Depending on their business model and market positioning, different types of institutions have different application paths and capital requirements.

International credit rating agencies such as Moody's, S&P, and Fitch have established subsidiaries or branches in Hong Kong to provide credit rating services to bond issuers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Large Type 10 (Full Function)

Capital requirements

Paid-up share capital of HK$500 million+ and quick funds of HK$3 million

Core Competitiveness

Global rating methodology, brand reputation, and cross-border rating capabilities

Small and medium-sized rating agencies that focus on the Greater China or Asia-Pacific markets provide credit ratings for local corporate bonds, municipal bonds, or SMEs.

Type 1 licence0 (does not hold client assets)

Capital requirements

Quick funds HK$10

Core Competitiveness

Local market insights, SME rating expertise, flexible pricing

An emerging agency focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings, providing investors with ESG risk assessments and sustainability ratings.

Depending on the scope of business

Capital requirements

Depending on whether or not client assets are held

Core Competitiveness

ESG methodology, sustainable finance expertise, and compliance foresight

⚠ Pure ESG ratings, which do not involve credit risk assessment, may not fall under Category 10 regulated activities. It is recommended to consult AIYING for confirmation.

We leverage big data and AI/ML technologies to provide automated credit rating services and publish algorithm-driven rating results to institutional investors or the public.

It depends on the business model.

Capital requirements

Depending on the specific business scope

Core Competitiveness

Technological innovation, data analysis capabilities, and efficiency of automated rating

⚠ If the rating results are released to the public or distributed via subscription, a No. 10 license is required.

Unsure if your business requires a Type 10 license? AIYING offers a free business scope assessment service.

Deposit exemption consultation
Licensed institutions

Credit rating agencies holding license number 10

As of March 2026, there were seven institutions in Hong Kong holding SFC Type 10 licenses, covering the three major international rating agencies, Chinese-funded rating agencies, and emerging multinational rating agencies.

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

One of the world's three largest credit rating agencies, Moody's was founded in 1909 and has offices in more than 40 countries. Moody's provides credit rating, research, and risk analysis services to global capital markets.

Global coverage of 130+ countries Rating more than 11,000 companies A century of rating history

parent company

Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO)

Headquarters

美國紐約

Visit the official website

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

S&P Global Ratings is a leading global credit rating and financial data analytics firm. Its credit risk measurement system is one of the most widely used standards in global capital markets.

The world's largest rating agency Covering 128 sovereign ratings More than 100 million credit ratings

parent company

S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI)

Headquarters

美國紐約

Visit the official website

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

One of the world's three largest credit rating agencies, Fitch was founded in 1914 by John Knowles Fitch. Fitch is known for its independent, forward-looking credit perspective and global reach.

Dual Headquarters Operation Model 30+ global offices Structured finance ratings lead

parent company

Fitch Group (Hearst Corporation)

Headquarters

New York, USA / London, UK

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2012

China Chengxin Group's international rating platform obtained SFC License No. 10 in 2012, becoming the first Chinese-funded rating agency to obtain a credit rating license in Hong Kong, focusing on credit rating in the Greater China region.

The first Chinese-funded CRA to obtain a license Greater China Professional Rating Cross-border rating capabilities

parent company

China Chengxin Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2011

Dagong Global Credit Rating Group's Hong Kong subsidiary obtained one of the first batch of licenses (Type 10) in 2011. Dagong is committed to building a new international rating system to provide independent credit risk assessments for global investors.

The first batch of licensed institutions New rating system Belt and Road Rating Expertise

parent company

Dagong Global Credit Rating Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2011

United Credit Ratings Group's international business platform obtained one of the first batch of licenses (Type 10) in 2011. It focuses on providing credit rating services for Chinese companies seeking overseas financing and for international investors.

The first batch of licensed institutions Overseas rating of Chinese enterprises Cross-border financing services

parent company

United Credit Rating Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Emerging Institutions License obtained in March 2026

The Asia-Pacific subsidiary of ARC Ratings, an independent European rating agency, obtained SFC License No. 10 in March 2026. It is the first multinational rating agency to obtain a license outside of the transition period, marking a further internationalization of the Hong Kong rating market.

The first non-transitional license obtained ESMA Registered Rating Agency Eurasia Cross-border Rating

parent company

ARC Ratings SA (Portugal)

Headquarters

Lisbon, Portugal / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

One of the world's three largest credit rating agencies, Moody's was founded in 1909 and has offices in more than 40 countries. Moody's provides credit rating, research, and risk analysis services to global capital markets.

Global coverage of 130+ countries Rating more than 11,000 companies A century of rating history

parent company

Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO)

Headquarters

美國紐約

Visit the official website

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

S&P Global Ratings is a leading global credit rating and financial data analytics firm. Its credit risk measurement system is one of the most widely used standards in global capital markets.

The world's largest rating agency Covering 128 sovereign ratings More than 100 million credit ratings

parent company

S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI)

Headquarters

美國紐約

Visit the official website

The three major international License obtained in March 2011

One of the world's three largest credit rating agencies, Fitch was founded in 1914 by John Knowles Fitch. Fitch is known for its independent, forward-looking credit perspective and global reach.

Dual Headquarters Operation Model 30+ global offices Structured finance ratings lead

parent company

Fitch Group (Hearst Corporation)

Headquarters

New York, USA / London, UK

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2012

China Chengxin Group's international rating platform obtained SFC License No. 10 in 2012, becoming the first Chinese-funded rating agency to obtain a credit rating license in Hong Kong, focusing on credit rating in the Greater China region.

The first Chinese-funded CRA to obtain a license Greater China Professional Rating Cross-border rating capabilities

parent company

China Chengxin Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2011

Dagong Global Credit Rating Group's Hong Kong subsidiary obtained one of the first batch of licenses (Type 10) in 2011. Dagong is committed to building a new international rating system to provide independent credit risk assessments for global investors.

The first batch of licensed institutions New rating system Belt and Road Rating Expertise

parent company

Dagong Global Credit Rating Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Chinese institutions License obtained in March 2011

United Credit Ratings Group's international business platform obtained one of the first batch of licenses (Type 10) in 2011. It focuses on providing credit rating services for Chinese companies seeking overseas financing and for international investors.

The first batch of licensed institutions Overseas rating of Chinese enterprises Cross-border financing services

parent company

United Credit Rating Group

Headquarters

Beijing, China / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Emerging Institutions License obtained in March 2026

The Asia-Pacific subsidiary of ARC Ratings, an independent European rating agency, obtained SFC License No. 10 in March 2026. It is the first multinational rating agency to obtain a license outside of the transition period, marking a further internationalization of the Hong Kong rating market.

The first non-transitional license obtained ESMA Registered Rating Agency Eurasia Cross-border Rating

parent company

ARC Ratings SA (Portugal)

Headquarters

Lisbon, Portugal / Hong Kong

Visit the official website

Source: Public Register of Licensees and Registered Institutions of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, as of March 2026

View SFC Public Records

Section 3

The structure of the number 10 cards

Card number 10 has a distinction between "high" and "low" cards. Similar to card number 9, SFC differentiates them by adding "specifying the conditions for dealing the card":

  • License No. 10 (indicating licensing restrictions): No client assets are permitted; extremely low capital threshold.
  • Large 10 license (not subject to specified licensing conditions): Allows holding client assets, but significantly increases capital requirements.

Since credit rating agencies typically do not need to hold client assets, most CRAs actually hold a "small 10 license".

Small No. 10

Subject to specified licensing conditions rules

Suitable for most CRAs Do not hold client assets
Capital requirements

Paid-up share capital

Not applicable (N/A)

Quick funds

HK$100,000

Specify the conditions (restrictions) for dealing cards.
  • No holding customer assets
  • No entity may hold any funds or securities in its own name on behalf of its clients.
Applicable scenarios

✓ Only rating reports and rating comments are provided.
✓ It does not involve fund custody or asset management.
✓ The vast majority of credit rating agencies fall into this category.

Big 10 license plate

Not subject to specified licensing conditions

Full-featured Client assets can be held
Capital requirements

Paid-up share capital

HK$5,000,000

Quick funds

HK$3,000,000

No additional restrictions

✓ Client assets can be held
✓ No additional restrictions on business scope

Applicable scenarios
  • The rating business involves client asset custody
  • Provide integrated services including rating, consulting, and asset management.
  • In reality, very few CRAs need this type of service.

Clarification of Common Misconceptions

Clarification: This is the requirement for the "Big 10 License". Most CRAs apply for the "Small 10 License", which only requires HK$100,000 in quick capital and has no paid-up capital requirement. The capital threshold difference is 50 times.

Clarification: License No. 10 has its unique features. The SFC will specifically examine the scientific validity and independence of the rating methodology, a requirement not found in other license applications. Furthermore, License No. 10 holders must comply with a specific CRA Code, rather than the general Code of Conduct.

Clarification: Not necessarily. License No. 10 only applies to credit ratings that are "published to the public or distributed via subscription." Internal credit assessments, privately commissioned ratings, and credit reporting services are not regulated under Category 10 and do not require a License No. 10.

Section Four

Application requirements for Type 10

Understand the detailed process, timeline, and cost breakdown for both new applications and acquisitions.

Licence type Paid-up share capital Quick funds
Type 1 licence0 (subject to credit rating requirements) not applicable HK$100,000
Large 10 license plate (unrestricted) HK$5,000,000 HK$3,000,000

⚠ Most CRAs apply for a Small 10 license. If you are unsure which type to apply for, please consult AIYING.

Source: Appendix 1 of the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules

✓ At least two Responsible Persons (ROs) directly supervise the operation of Type 10.

✓ At least one RO must be in Hong Kong at all times to oversee operations (it is recommended that both ROs be in Hong Kong).

✓ At least one RO must be an executive director as defined by SFO.

✓ The same person may serve as the RO for multiple regulated activities (provided there is no conflict of interest).

✓ Overseas ROs need to submit a work visa application to the Immigration Department first.

✓ A comprehensive compliance monitoring system must be established .

✓ A conflict of interest management policy must be developed (a core requirement of the CRA Code).

✓ An internal review and verification mechanism for the rating methodology must be established .

✓ An independent compliance department or compliance officer must be established .

✓ A Chinese wall policy must be established.

✓ An appeal handling mechanism must be established .

✓ A detailed rating methodology document must be submitted .

✓ The methodology must be scientific, systematic, and consistent.

✓ The key assumptions and limitations of the rating model must be explained .

✓ A mechanism for regular review and updating of the methodology must be established.

✓ SFC will give special consideration to the independence and objectivity of its methodology.

⚠ This is the most crucial review stage in the application for Type 1 licence0. It is recommended to prepare sufficient methodological documents in advance.

✓ Must hold a law, accounting, or finance-related degree or professional qualification

✓ Or possess equivalent qualifications recognized by SFC

✓ At least 3 years of relevant industry experience in the past 6 years

✓ At least 2 years of management experience

✓ Related industries include: credit rating, credit analysis, fixed income research, risk management, etc.

✓ Another RO can pass the exam within 6 months of obtaining the license.

✓Exam Exemption: Holders of equivalent overseas qualifications recognized by SFC may apply for an exemption.

✓ At least one RO must pass: HKSI LE Paper 1 (Basic Securities and Futures Regulations) + HKSI LE Paper 4 before submitting the application.

⚠ Important Reminder: The exam requirements for Plate 10 (RO) are Paper 1 + Paper 4, which are different from Plate 1 (Paper 1 + Paper 7) and Plate 9 (Paper 1 + Paper 7).

Self-Assessment Checklist for Applicants

  • Our company is incorporated (or plans to be incorporated) in Hong Kong.
  • Funds have been prepared to meet the minimum quick capital requirements (HK$10 for small Type 10 / HK$300 for large Type 10).
  • At least two qualified candidates for Responsible Person (RO) have been identified.
  • At least one RO has passed or plans to pass HKSI LE Paper 1 + Paper 4.
  • Credit rating methodology documents have been developed or are being developed.
  • A compliance monitoring system and internal control framework have been established or are planned to be established.
  • Conflict of interest management policies have been developed or are planned to be developed.
  • At least one RO will be stationed in Hong Kong to oversee operations.
  • I understand the core requirements of the CRA Code.
  • Company registration documents and proof of financial resources are ready.
Section Five

Application process for Type 10

✓ Determine the scope of business and license type (large/small No. 10 license plate)

✓ Prepare rating methodology documents (the most crucial preparatory work)

✓ Form a compliance team (at least 2 ROs)

✓ RO through HKSI LE Paper 1 + Paper 4

✓ Establish a compliance monitoring system and built-in architecture

✓ Develop conflict of interest management policies

✓ Prepare company registration documents (if not already registered at the port).

✓ Prepare proof of financial resources

✓ Submit online application through SFC WINGS system

✓ Pay the application fee (HK$57,740 for corporation + HK$3,770 per RO)

✓ SFC conducts initial review (confirmation of receipt within approximately 2 weeks)

✓ The SFC may request supplementary information (especially related to rating methodology).

✓ The scientific nature and independence of the SFC review and rating methodology

✓ SFC assesses RO's competence and experience

✓ SFC reviews compliance systems and internal control architecture

✓ Awaiting final approval from the SFC (promised timeframe approximately 15 weeks)

⚠ The SFC's review of Type 10 license applications focuses on the rating methodology. Insufficient methodology documentation may significantly extend the processing time.

✓ Received official approval notification from SFC

✓ Pay the annual license fee (HK$5,340/year for corporations + HK$4,740/year for each RO)

✓ Register in the SFC Public Record Book

✓ Officially commence credit rating business

✓ Establish a CRA Code compliance reporting mechanism

✓ Submit your first annual compliance report to the SFC

Total cycle

Approximately 21-27 weeks (5-7 months)

Application Fee

Group price HK$57,740 + RO per person HK$3,770

Annual license fee

Corporation HK$5,340/year + HK$4,740/year per RO

SFC Approval Commitment Time

Approximately 15 weeks (corporation license application)

Source: SFC Performance Pledges | Annual license fee to resume from April 2025

Section Five - Supplement

How much does it cost to apply for a No. 10 license plate?

Transparently presenting all official fees, capital requirements, and ongoing operating costs helps you with your financial planning.

Expense items Amount (HK$) Explain
Corporate license application fee HK$57,740 One-time, each type of regulated activity
RO (Responsible Person) Approval Fee HK$3,770 Every RO, every type of regulated activity
Licensed Representative (LR) Approval Fee HK$1,790 Each LR, each type of regulated activity

Example of cost estimation: Applying for only Type 1 licence0 (2 ROs)

License application fee

HK$57,740 x 1 = HK$57,740

RO Approval Fee

HK$3,770 x 2 = HK$7,540

First year license fee (corporation)

HK$5,340 x 1 = HK$5,340

First year license fee (RO)

HK$4,740 x 2 = HK$9,480

Total official SFC fees in the first year

HK$80,100

* The above fees are only those charged by SFC and do not include consulting fees, office rent, IT system and other operating costs.

Contrast Dimensions Small No. 10 Big 10 license plate
Paid-up share capital No requirement ≥ HK$5,000,000
Quick funds ≥ HK$100,000 ≥ HK$3,000,000
Holding client assets Improper can
Applicable scenarios Most CRAs Very few require holding client assets.
Market commonality common rare

★ Small Type 1 licence0 (recommended)

The vast majority of CRAs hold Small 10 licenses. Only HK$10 in liquid funds are required, with no paid-up capital requirement. The SFC restricts its ability to hold client assets through additional "specified licensing conditions."

⚠ Large 10 plate (rare)

A minimum paid-up share capital of HK$500 million plus HK$3 million in liquid funds is required. This applies to very rare situations where holding client assets is necessary, and is extremely uncommon in practice.

Expense items Amount of money Explain
Annual license fee (corporation) HK$5,340 / year Each type of regulated activity
Annual License Fee (RO) HK$4,740 / year Every RO, every type of regulated activity
Annual License Fee (LR) HK$1,790 / year Each LR, each type of regulated activity
Compliance monitoring costs Depending on the scale Compliance system maintenance, auditing, training, etc.
Annual audit fee Depending on the scale Audited annual financial statements

⚠ Consequences of Late Payment

Under section 138(2) of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, all intermediaries and licensees are required to pay an annual license fee within one month of the expiry date of their license or certificate of incorporation each year. Failure to pay on time will result in the following consequences:

Overdue time as a result of
More than 1 months but less than 2 months A 30% surcharge will be levied.
More than 2 months but less than 3 months A 50% surcharge will be levied.
More than 3 months but less than 4 months Temporary suspension of license/registration
More than 4 months Cancellation of license/registration

Source: SFC Official FAQ (Updated March 14, 2025)

Section Six

CRA Code and Continuing Compliance Obligations

The CRA Code (Code of Conduct for Credit Rating Agencies) is a code of conduct developed by the SFC specifically for licensed agencies holding a Type 10 license. It has been in effect since June 2011 and has not been revised to date.

The six pillars of the CRA Code

  • The rating must be based on comprehensive analysis and reliable information.
  • The rating methodology must be systematic, rigorous, and continuous.
  • The rating methodology must be reviewed and validated regularly.
  • Rating decisions must be independent of commercial pressures.
  • An effective conflict of interest identification and management mechanism must be established.
  • Analysts are not allowed to participate in fee negotiations
  • The rating actions and reasons must be disclosed in a timely manner.
  • The rating methodology and key assumptions must be disclosed.
  • It is necessary to distinguish between proactive rating and commissioned rating.
  • Information firewalls must be established.
  • Trading using non-public information is prohibited.
  • The issuer's confidential information must be protected.
  • An independent compliance department must be established.
  • Senior management must assume compliance responsibility
  • An internal audit and quality control mechanism must be established.
  • All rating users must be treated fairly.
  • An appeal handling mechanism must be established.
  • Regular communication with market participants is necessary.

Annual Compliance Obligations List

The rating methodology must be reviewed and updated regularly, and any changes to the methodology must be promptly communicated to the SFC and the market.

An annual compliance report must be submitted to the SFC, detailing compliance with the CRA Code.

Must continuously meet the minimum quick capital requirements (HK$100,000 for Small 10 license plates / HK$3,000,000 for Large 10 license plates), and must submit a financial resources declaration form to the SFC monthly/quarterly.

The effectiveness of the conflict of interest management policy must be reviewed annually, and all identified conflicts of interest must be recorded and reported.

ROs and analysts must receive ongoing professional training and ensure that their teams understand the latest regulatory requirements.

Business changes, RO changes, compliance violations, etc., must be notified to the SFC within the specified time.

Section Seven

New Applications vs. Acquisitions: The Path to Obtaining Type 10

Acquisition Market Reality Analysis

There are only about 7-8 licensed CRAs in Hong Kong, making it the type with the fewest licenses among all SFC licenses. Therefore, the number of targets available for acquisition is extremely limited.

International CRAs such as Moody's, S&P, and Fitch dominate the market, and these agencies will not sell their Hong Kong licenses.

The core value of Type 1 licence0 lies in its rating methodology and market reputation. Simply acquiring a shell company with a license plate has limited significance because the methodology and the team are inseparable.

Even if a target for acquisition is found, the SFC will still conduct a comprehensive review of the new shareholders and management. The review standards are basically the same as for new applications and cannot significantly shorten the time to obtain a license.

AIYING can provide full support for your new No. 10 license application.

✓ Review and optimization suggestions for rating methodology

✓ SFC application material preparation and submission

✓ RO Candidate Qualification Assessment and Recommendation

✓ SFC communication and coordination during the approval process

✓ Compliance system design and construction

✓ Professional consultant service throughout the process

Section 8

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about Hong Kong Type 10 license plates. For any further inquiries, please contact AIYING for professional answers.

是的。 SFC以附加指明發牌條件來區分:小10號牌(不持有客戶資產)僅需速動資金HK$10萬;大10號牌需繳足股本HK$500萬+速動資金HK$300萬。大多數CRA持有的是小10號牌。

小10號牌僅需速動資金HK$100,000,無繳足股本要求。大10號牌需繳足股本HK$5,000,000+速動資金HK$3,000,000。

10號牌RO須通過HKSI LE試卷1和試卷4。注意:這與1號牌和9號牌的考試要求(試卷1+試卷7)不同。

Not necessarily. If the ESG rating only assesses a company's environmental, social, and governance performance and does not involve credit risk assessment, it may not fall under Category 10 regulated activities. However, if the ESG rating is combined with a credit rating, a Category 10 license may be required. It is recommended to consult AIYING for confirmation.

Theoretically possible, but practically impossible. There are only about 7-8 licensed CRAs in Hong Kong, most of which are Hong Kong subsidiaries of international rating agencies and do not sell licenses. Applying for a brand new license is the only realistic option.

Yes, a company can hold multiple licenses simultaneously. For example, a financial group can hold both a Type 1 license (securities trading) and a Type 10 license (credit rating), but it needs to establish effective information firewalls.

The CRA Code (Code of Conduct for Credit Rating Agencies) is a code of conduct specifically developed by the SFC for Type 10 license holders and has been in effect since June 2011. Unlike the general Code of Conduct applicable to other licenses, it specifically addresses the unique risks and requirements of the credit rating business.

The entire process, from preparation to license issuance, takes approximately 5-7 months. The preparation phase lasts about 4-8 weeks, SFC approval about 15 weeks, and the license issuance process takes about 2-4 weeks. The review time may be extended if the rating methodology is not adequately prepared.

Annual license fee: HK$5,340 per corporation/year + HK$4,740 per RO/year. Additional ongoing operating costs, such as compliance system maintenance, auditing, and training, must also be considered.

No. If the rating results are to be published to the Hong Kong public or distributed via subscription, the overseas CRA must establish a subsidiary or branch in Hong Kong and apply for a Type 10 license. Ratings published solely overseas are not subject to the SFC's jurisdiction.

About Aiying

Aiying (License.aiying.cc) specializes in global traditional finance and Web3-related license application and acquisition consulting services. With teams primarily located in Hong Kong, the UAE, and Europe, and strong relationships with local regulators, Aiying has successfully secured applications and smooth operations for leading and mid-tier crypto and traditional institutions. Team members are qualified in Hong Kong, Europe (Ireland), the UK, the UAE, and other jurisdictions, with a global network ensuring 24/7 professional support. Headquartered in Asia, the team brings together experts in operations, marketing, law, regulatory compliance, and accounting, adhering to clients' business objectives to provide comprehensive and in-depth strategies and solutions.