Suspected theft case involving personal data held by FEHD
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (January 2) that the department attaches utmost importance on a suspected theft case of document files and has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up. Since the files contain personal data, the department has immediately contacted all the data subjects affected to offer its apologies and appeal for their heightened vigilance.
The incident involves two internal document files stored at the Kowloon City District Environmental Hygiene Office. These files contained records of public complaints against environmental nuisances in the district, including the names and contact information (telephone numbers or email addresses) of approximately 100 complainants.
The spokesman said, "The office area concerned is access-controlled by a digital lock and also has an independent door lock. As the incident may involve criminal act of theft, the FEHD has reported the case to the Police for follow-up and will fully co-operate with the investigation. The FEHD has also notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and notified the data subjects affected by the incident."
The spokesman for the FEHD stressed, "The department offered its apologies to those affected. The FEHD attaches great importance to the security of personal data, and has laid down clear internal guidelines and control mechanism to ensure compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant laws and ordinances. Staff members are also regularly reminded to adhere to these guidelines and provisions. While the case is believed to be an isolated incident, the department will take stringent action should the investigation reveal any negligence or mishandling by any officer. The FEHD will also review the current personal data security measures to ensure effective protection of the personal data it collects."
Banking Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026 gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette today (June 5) the Banking Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026, which serves to ensure that Hong Kong's banking legislation will continue to be fit for purpose and conducive to future developments amidst the evolving landscape of the banking industry.
The Bill covers amendments to the Banking Ordinance (BO) in the following areas: (i) regulation of bank holding companies; (ii) engagement of skilled persons for supervisory purposes; (iii) modernisation of enforcement provisions; (iv) simplification of the current three-tier banking system into a two-tier system; and (v) technical amendments to reduce the compliance burden and enhance regulatory clarity. The Bill will also make amendments to The Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance and the Financial Institutions (Resolution) Ordinance for enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "Committed to fostering an optimal and attractive business environment, the Government has been dedicated to keep refining Hong Kong's financial regulations to align with the latest international standards and market dynamics. The relevant amendments will empower the banking industry to fully capture the immense opportunities presented by future market and technological developments."
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Mr Eddie Yue, said, "The banking industry plays an indispensable role in enabling effective financial intermediation and the functioning of the financial system. These enhancements to banking legislation will ensure that our regulatory framework remains robust and conducive to the development of banks, thereby further strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre."
This series of amendments will help reduce the compliance burden on the banking industry, make regulatory requirements clearer and more effective, keep pace with market developments, and further align Hong Kong's banking regulation with relevant international standards. The HKMA conducted a series of public and industry consultations on the proposed legislative amendments between 2023 and 2025. Broad support for the proposals was received from the respondents.
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for the first reading on June 17.
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