Licence check
Search the Companies Registry register using the exact contracting entity. A brand and legal entity can differ.
Third parties
Verify any intermediary against the appointed third-party register and confirm its authority directly.
Interest limits
An effective rate above 48% is prohibited. A rate above 36% and up to 48% is presumed extortionate unless the court is satisfied otherwise.
Red flags
Stop if asked to send an advance fee to a personal account, hide documents, sign blanks or install remote-access software.
Verify the contracting entity and every intermediary
Search the Companies Registry register using the legal name and licence number shown in the agreement. If another company or individual introduces, prepares or negotiates the loan for the lender, check the appointed-third-party register and confirm the appointment with the licensed money lender.
Hong Kong's public guidance warns borrowers not to pay loan intermediaries for arranging a money-lender loan. Do not transfer an advance fee to a personal account, hand over online-banking credentials or sign an incomplete agreement.
Bank advisers and money-lender intermediaries are not the same role
A consultant may help an SME organise records or understand bank products. That does not mean the person is authorised to submit or refer a bank application. The HKMA has stated that authorised institutions ceased accepting loan applications referred by intermediaries, so the bank should confirm the route directly.
Before sharing data, ask who receives it, why each item is needed, how long it is retained and whether a formal credit search will occur. Keep the service agreement separate from the loan agreement so each fee and duty remains visible.
Rates, limits and eligibility can change. Ask for a current written quote, repayment schedule and agreement. General information only.