Mainland investors have reached a key checkpoint in the verification of inactive accounts at Hong Kong banks, with a declaration of fund sources being critical to account reactivation.

Recent reports indicate that some banks in Hong Kong have initiated a capital source declaration process for existing mainland Chinese investment clients, setting deadlines including August 20 (failure to submit may lead to suspension of investment services) and September 12 (failure to submit may result in termination of investment services). According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, some licensed Hong Kong institutions—including HSBC Hong Kong and Hong Kong branches of Chinese state-owned banks—have indeed taken such steps recently, targeting mainly long-term inactive accounts. An HSBC spokesperson stated: "When managing investment client relationships, we comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Therefore, we invite relevant mainland Chinese investors to provide self-declarations and confirm that the information they submitted in the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence processes is up-to-date and valid. This move helps us continue providing uninterrupted services to clients. The latest declaration requirement applies only to our investment service clients." It is understood that these measures by Hong Kong banks are based on a circular issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on May 22 (synchronized with a circular from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission), rather than any new policy or regulatory guidance. (Yicai)