top of page

Obtaining the Right Business Licences – Start Compliant, Scale Confidently 獲取正確業務牌照——合規起步,穩健擴展

Updated: Mar 20


Why Getting the Right Licence is Critical for Your Business

Starting a business in regulated industries like finance, food services, or professional consulting requires more than just company registration – it demands obtaining the correct licences from day one. Whether you’re a fintech startup, a money service operator ("MSO"), or a restaurant, operating without the proper licences can lead to fines, operational shutdowns, or reputational damage. This guide explains how to secure the right licence upfront and acquire additional approvals as your business evolves.


---

Consequences of Incorrect or Missing Licences

  • Legal Penalties: Fines or prosecution for unlicensed activities (e.g., operating a TCSP without a TCSP licence).

  • Business Disruption: Forced closure until compliance is achieved.

  • Loss of Trust: Clients and partners may avoid unlicensed entities.


---

Steps to Obtain the Right Licence at Launch

  1. Define Your Business Scope

Clearly outline your activities (e.g., remittances, lending, food sales).

Example: License Corporation, Money Lender, Licensed Insurance Broker, and Dealers in Precious Metals & Stones Registration.


  1. Research Regulatory Requirements

Identify licences mandated by authorities like the Hong Kong Companies Registry, HKMA, SFC, or Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.


  1. Prepare Documentation

Business plans, AML policies (for financial services), premises approvals (for F&B), and director/shareholder details.


4. Submit Applications

Engage professionals to streamline paperwork and avoid delays.


---

When to Acquire Additional Licences

As your business grows, new services or markets may require additional approvals:

  • Geographic Expansion: Operating in new jurisdictions

  • Service Diversification: Adding regulated activities

  • Client Requirements: Serving high-risk sectors like crypto or gaming demands specialized licences.


---

Why Partner with Professionals Like Sum & Sam?

  • Licence Assessment: Identify required licences based on your business model.

  • Application Support: Prepare and submit documentation to regulators.

  • Compliance Advisory: Maintain licences with ongoing consulting, reporting, or audit support.


---

Conclusion

Securing the right licences is the foundation of a compliant and scalable business. Whether launching a startup or expanding services, partner with Sum & Sam to navigate licensing efficiently and focus on growth.


---

Sum & Sam Professional Service Limited ("Sum & Sam") is a Hong Kong-based company established in 2019, holding a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence (Licence No. TC008190). Specializing in company secretarial services, corporate consulting, compliance, accounting, and licensing solutions, Sum & Sam offers a one-stop professional service tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. With a team of seasoned experts boasting over 30 years of experience in finance, compliance, and accounting, the company is committed to delivering high-quality, confidential, and client-focused solutions. Sum & Sam prioritizes integrity, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, ensuring the best outcomes for businesses in Hong Kong and beyond.


*Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Sum & Sam Professional Service Limited makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information for any specific purpose. For tailored advice, please consult our professional team directly.


---

合規起步,穩健擴展


為何選擇正確牌照對企業至關重要?

在香港開展金融、餐飲或專業諮詢等受監管業務,僅完成公司註冊並不足夠——獲取正確牌照是合法營運的前提。無論是金融科技初創、金錢服務經營者(MSO)還是餐廳,無牌經營可能導致罰款、停業或信譽損失。本文解析如何從起步階段獲取合適牌照,並在業務擴展時申請新增許可。


---

錯誤或缺失牌照的後果

  • 法律處罰:無牌經營可能被檢控(如無TCSP牌照提供公司秘書服務)。

  • 業務中斷:需暫停營運直至合規。

  • 信任流失:客戶及合作方可能拒絕與無牌機構往來。


---

初始階段獲取正確牌照的步驟

1. 定義業務範圍:

- 明確業務性質(如匯款、借貸、食品銷售)。

- 例子:持牌機構、放債人牌照、持牌保險經紀及貴金屬及寶石交易商註冊。


2. 研究監管要求:

- 確認香港公司註冊處、金管局、證監會或食環署等機構的牌照要求。


3. 準備文件:

- 商業計劃書、反洗錢政策(金融業務)、場所批准(餐飲)及董事/股東資料。


4. 提交申請:

- 尋求專業協助以簡化流程,避免延誤。


---

何時需申請新增牌照?

業務擴展時,新增服務或市場可能需額外許可:

  • 拓展地區:進軍新加坡或歐盟等新市場。

  • 服務多元化:新增受監管業務(如TCSP增設信託服務需綜合牌照)。

  • 客戶需求:服務加密貨幣或博彩等高風險行業需專用牌照。


---

為何與深與傑等專業夥伴合作?

  • 牌照評估:根據業務模式識別所需牌照。

  • 申請支援:準備並向監管提交文件。

  • 合規諮詢:透過持續諮詢支援、報告或審計維持牌照有效性。


---

總結

獲取正確牌照是企業合規及可持續發展的基石。無論是初創起步還是業務擴展,與深與傑合作,高效處理牌照事務,專注業務成長。


---


深與傑專業服務有限公司(「深與傑」)是一家2019年成立於香港的專業服務公司,持有信託或公司服務提供者(TCSP)牌照(牌照編號:TC008190),專注於公司秘書服務、企業諮詢、合規審查、會計及業務牌照申請等一站式解決方案。憑藉團隊在金融、合規及會計領域逾30年的豐富經驗,深與傑致力以誠信、專業和客戶需求為核心,為企業提供高質量、保密且定制化的服務。我們注重客戶滿意度,通過嚴格的內部質量控制及持續溝通,為香港及海外企業創造最佳商業實踐。


*免責聲明:本文內容僅供一般參考,不構成專業意見或建議。深與傑專業服務有限公司不對信息的準確性、完整性或適用性作任何明示或暗示的保證。如需具體業務諮詢或解決方案,請直接聯繫我們的專業團隊以獲取量身定制的服務。


Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page