What a corporate account application involves in Hong Kong: who acts for the company, what the significant controllers register must show and why a bank asks for the account's purpose.
HKMA guidance on corporate account applications and the registry's significant-controller rules.
HKMA FAQ: a corporate account is normally opened by one individual acting for the company; banks verify that individual and obtain written authority. Presence of all directors or beneficial owners at opening is not required by the HKMA.
HKMA FAQ: obtaining the purpose and intended nature of the banking relationship is a standard due-diligence measure for all customers, though it may be self-evident in some cases.
Every company incorporated in Hong Kong (listed companies excepted) must keep a significant controllers register giving beneficial ownership information. It must be open for inspection by law enforcement officers.
A significant controller is identified by tests that include holding more than 25% of issued shares or voting rights, as well as rights over board appointments or significant influence or control.
The register may be kept at the registered office or another Hong Kong location; if kept elsewhere, the Registrar must be notified on Form NR2 within 15 days. The company must designate at least one representative to assist law enforcement.
Every person carrying on a business in Hong Kong must apply for business registration within one month of the business starting and display a valid certificate at the place of business.
Annex: Frequently Asked Questions on Customer Due Diligence (updated 25 May 2017) — Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Significant Controllers Register - Overview — Companies Registry, HKSAR
Local Limited Companies - Significant Controllers Register FAQ — Companies Registry, HKSAR
Business Registration - General — Inland Revenue Department, HKSAR
Fact sheet last reviewed 2026-09-26. Jurisdiction rules are confirmed against the sources above; a provider's own requirements differ and are confirmed by the provider.
Tell us about your structure, activity and payment needs — the essentials, not a full application.
We assess the structure and requirements against what providers typically accept before recommending a direction.
We identify a suitable regulated provider and explain what is realistically available for your case.
You complete official KYC/KYB directly with the regulated financial provider — not with Latynex.
The provider makes the final decision and activates the account. We stay involved if anything needs coordinating.
Latynex is not a bank or electronic money institution. Financial accounts and payment services are provided by independent, regulated financial institutions. Final eligibility and approval are determined by the selected provider, following its own KYC/KYB review.
HKMA FAQ: obtaining the purpose and intended nature of the banking relationship is a standard due-diligence measure for all customers, though it may be self-evident in some cases.
Every company incorporated in Hong Kong (listed companies excepted) must keep a significant controllers register giving beneficial ownership information. It must be open for inspection by law enforcement officers.
No. Latynex is not a bank, EMI or payment institution. We review your case and, where suitable, introduce it to an independent, regulated financial provider who handles the account itself.
No. No introducer can guarantee a banking or payment-account decision. The provider you are introduced to runs its own KYC/KYB review and makes the final call under its own policies.
Typically: certificate of incorporation, register of directors and shareholders, proof of UBO identity and address, a description of business activity, and evidence of source of funds. Exact requirements vary by provider.
Setup and ongoing fees vary with jurisdiction, ownership structure, business activity, expected turnover and compliance profile. The provider discloses its fees before you proceed, and any Latynex advisory fee is disclosed separately.
No obligation — we review your case and respond with a straight answer.
Tell us about your company and payment needs — we review the case and point you to a provider genuinely suited to it.
Check eligibility