Cross-border fund access expands with HK-Ireland pact

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Central Bank of Ireland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to streamline cross-border distribution of public funds between the two markets. Ireland becomes the 11th jurisdiction to join Hong Kong’s Mutual Recognition of Funds (MRF) scheme, allowing eligible Hong Kong and Irish funds to be offered more easily across borders. It marks the first framework for Hong Kong public collective investment schemes to be sold in Ireland and vice versa under an expedited approval process. The agreement aims to boost investor choice, promote diversification, and reflects global confidence in Hong Kong’s regulatory standards. The move comes amid rising cross-border asset management activity and expanding global financial market integration.